Justin Trudeau, Narendra Modi discuss Khalistan extremism at G20: What you need to know

In a mind-blowing press briefing, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made it crystal clear that while Canada champions the cause of freedom of expression, it won’t give an inch when it comes to acts of violence. The bombshell came after Trudeau’s eyebrow-raising meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the recent G20 Summit. During the discussion, both leaders brought up the touchy subjects of Khalistan extremism and “foreign interference,” revealing a complicated dance between defending civil liberties and enforcing the rule of law.

What Trudeau and Modi Actually Said Behind Closed Doors

Trudeau indirectly acknowledged that his talks with Modi included conversations about issues like Khalistan extremism and foreign interference. He emphasized that Canada stands steadfastly for freedom of expression and peaceful protests, but will equally staunchly counteract violence and hatred. Trudeau went on to stress that it’s important not to generalize the actions of a few to the entire community or even the country.

What’s at Stake in the India-Canada Relationship?

An official statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs added another layer of urgency to the meeting’s outcomes. According to them, Modi expressed strong concerns over ongoing anti-India activities in Canada, including threats to Indian diplomats and communities. He underscored that cooperation between the two nations is essential for tackling issues such as extremism and foreign interference. The Indian leader even pointed out that the relationship should be founded on mutual respect and trust.

Trudeau Acknowledges India’s Global Importance

Further elevating the temperature, Trudeau also identified India as an “extraordinarily important” economy and a crucial partner for Canada across sectors including climate change and economic growth. The buzz doesn’t stop here. A social media post by Modi confirmed the bilateral meeting and announced that the discussion spanned the full range of India-Canada ties across various sectors. With such a loaded agenda and so many burning issues, the world waits with bated breath to see what comes next in this high-stakes diplomatic relationship.