Meta Tags: Canada, India, Trade Mission, Diplomatic Tensions, G20 Summit, Justin Trudeau, Narendra Modi, Sikhs, Secessionism
Canada Postpones Trade Mission to India
A trade mission between India and Canada was planned in October. However, Canada has decided to postpone it maybe because of the tense diplomatic relations. This might be during the encounter of PM Modi with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau at the G20 Summit in New Delhi.
G20 Summit Meeting | Sikh Population
During the G20 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held formal bilateral meetings with several world leaders but offered only a brief, informal meeting to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This perceived snub signaled strained relations between the two nations.
For a lot of Sikhs outside their state of Punjab in India, Canada is their home to a large population. Also, several protests have irked India. After the leaders met, the Indian government said:
“They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.”
Indian Government
Trade Talks on Pause
In response to the deteriorating diplomatic relations, both India and Canada have paused trade talks. Earlier in the month, Canada announced the need to “take stock” by temporarily halting trade negotiations with India. India, in a reciprocal move, has also suspended trade talks.
Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng has decided to postpone the upcoming trade mission to India, scheduled for October. However, no specific reasons were provided for the postponement. This decision reflects the challenging diplomatic climate between the two nations.
Conclusion
Thus, the postponement of the trade decision shows the growing tensions in the relations between India and Canada. It is coupled with both activities during the G20 Summit and Sikh community as mentioned above. Both of these countries need to find common ground in order to stabilize their relations. As of now, all we can do is watch the diplomatic relations between India and China.
