India-Canada relation strained, trade talks halted amid diplomatic tensions

Trade between India and Canada has been put on hold in the midst of strained relations between the two countries. This was confirmed by a spokesperson for Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng, who said that Canada’s trade mission to India, scheduled to be held in October, has been postponed. This development comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi scolded his Canadian counterpart at the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

“At this time, we are postponing the upcoming trade mission to India,” said spokesperson Shanti Cosentino, a spokesperson for the minister, without giving a reason.

Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng is postponing a trade mission to India planned for October, an official said on Friday, reports Reuters

"At this time, we are postponing the upcoming trade mission to India," said Shanti Cosentino, a spokesperson for the minister: Reuters pic.twitter.com/Umn9zxcwpf

— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2023

India-Canada talks in G20 Summit

During the G20 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held formal bilateral meetings with numerous world leaders on the sidelines of the event.

While talking with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, PM Modi conveyed Delhi’s strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada. These activities are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats and threatening the Indian community there.

Modi had snubbed Trudeau in the very brief informal meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. He further mentioned that a relationship based on “mutual respect and trust” is essential for the progress of the India-Canada relationship, as per media reports.

Trudeau comments on pro Khalistan elements in Canada

Apart from the home state of Punjab, Canada has the largest Sikh population in the world and recently the country has been the site of many protests that have irked India.

While addressing the media after his talks with PM Modi, he said that his country will always defend freedom of peaceful protest but at the same time asserted that it will always prevent violence and push back against hatred, according to media reports.

“Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us,” he said.

“At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred. I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada,” Trudeau said.

Earlier in May, Ng and her Indian counterpart, Piyush Goyal, had issued a joint statement saying they hoped to boost trade and investment between their two countries by the year’s end.

However, on Friday, India said that trade talks with Canada have been put on hold for the moment while Canada also made a similar announcement earlier this month, saying such a pause was needed to “take stock”.