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The recent encounter between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Laos highlights the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Trudeau, acknowledging the need to address pressing issues, confirmed a brief exchange with Modi, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law. This statement comes in the wake of the June 2023 assassination of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, an event that has significantly strained relations between India and Canada.
In September 2023, Trudeau publicly accused 'agents of the Government of India' of being responsible for Nijjar's death, triggering a diplomatic row. India vehemently rejected Trudeau's accusation, labeling it 'absurd' and 'motivated.' While the two leaders have since engaged in private discussions, the issue remains a point of contention, with Canada vowing to hold Indian officials accountable. The specifics of the conversation between Trudeau and Modi at the ASEAN Summit remain undisclosed, but Trudeau's emphasis on upholding the rule of law suggests that the Nijjar murder case was a central topic of discussion.
This encounter marks the second meeting between the two prime ministers in recent months, with the previous one occurring at the G7 Leaders' Summit in Italy in June. While both leaders acknowledge the need for continued dialogue, the ongoing tensions over the Nijjar murder highlight the complexities of the relationship between India and Canada. The future trajectory of their diplomatic ties hinges on resolving the outstanding issues and finding a path to constructive engagement.
Source: 'Had brief exchange with PM Modi in Laos': Justin Trudeau