Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng has decided to delay a scheduled trademission to India in October, as revealed by an official statement onFriday. This move underscores the growing strain in diplomatic relationsbetween the two countries, particularly following a recent incident at theG20 summit in New Delhi where India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi publiclyreprimanded Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Shanti Cosentino, a spokesperson for Minister Mary Ng, confirmed thepostponement of the upcoming trade mission to India but did not provide aspecific explanation for the decision. This delay comes in the wake of thetense encounter between the two leaders during the G20 summit, where PrimeMinister Modi granted Prime Minister Trudeau only a brief and informalmeeting on the sidelines.
Canada is home to the largest Sikh population outside of Punjab in India,and this has been a point of contention between the two nations.
India has accused Canada of indirectly supporting secessionist activitiesand inciting violence against Indian diplomats, which has led to damage todiplomatic facilities and threats against the Indian community in Canada,including their places of worship.
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In a tit-for-tat response, both countries have suspended trade talks.Canada announced its pause earlier this month, citing the need to “takestock” of the situation, while India’s decision to halt trade negotiationsfurther underscores the escalating tension in their bilateral relations.
