Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will chat briefly Sunday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the margins of the G20 summit, where he鈥檚 expected to raise concerns about foreign meddling in Canada鈥檚 politics.
The Canadian delegation sought a meeting with Modi during the annual meeting of the world鈥檚 largest economies, but Sunday鈥檚 10-minute meeting wasn鈥檛 confirmed until after Trudeau landed Friday in New Delhi.
India, now the world鈥檚 most populous country, is featured prominently in the Indo-Pacific, a region Canada is seeking to expand its trade reach and reduce the influence of China.
But national security adviser Jody Thomas has also flagged India as a top source of foreign interference in Canada, particularly around support within Canada鈥檚 Sikh community for separatist sentiment emanating from the Indian state of Punjab.
Trudeau vowed Friday that he would raise the issue of foreign interference if granted a face-to-face meeting with Modi.
鈥淎s always, we will emphasize how important the rule of law is,鈥� Trudeau told a news conference in Singapore before departing for New Delhi.
China is not the only country deserving of scrutiny when it comes to foreign interference, said Trudeau, whose Liberal government on Thursday announced a long-awaited public inquiry into alleged Chinese activity in Canada.
鈥淚t is incredibly important that we continue to protect Canadians from any and all types of interference,鈥� he said.
鈥淥ne of the things we鈥檙e focused on in this inquiry is recognizing, yes, China and Russia are responsible for interference, but other countries engage in it as well,鈥� adding that the commission 鈥渨ill go where the facts bring them.鈥�
While COVID-19 has featured prominently in discussions at the last several G20 meetings, it wasn鈥檛 expected to dominate the talks again in New Delhi. But the Canadian delegation remains plagued by the virus, with four members of the travelling delegation on the Asian trip testing positive.
The officials were forced to remain behind following stops in Indonesia and Singapore. A spokesperson for the prime minister would not provide further comment to respect the privacy of the individuals. Trudeau has tested negative.
During the summit, the agenda will be focused on climate change, food security, global energy needs, gender equality and the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
New Delhi has previously argued that elements in Canada have been behind interference in domestic affairs in India, including in relation to the Khalistani separatist movement.
The Indian government sees it as an extremist movement that endangers national security, and has long accused Canada of harbouring extremists. Ottawa has maintained that freedom of speech means groups can voice political opinions so long as they are not violent.
Nadir Patel, Canada鈥檚 former high commissioner to India, said the two countries have a resilient relationship, despite some challenges.
鈥淭his is a thriving relationship, and you can鈥檛 say that about too many countries. India is among our fast growing trading partners, and the relationship is far more resilient than to be sidetracked by one or two issues,鈥� Patel said.
This is Trudeau鈥檚 first trip to India since his controversial visit in 2018. At the time, Modi appeared to ignore Trudeau鈥檚 presence entirely until the final days of the 10-day visit.
Patel said many of India鈥檚 priorities at the G20 align with some of Canada鈥檚 interests.
鈥淭he G20 will serve as an opportunity to make headway in those areas, but use those dialogues to bridge gaps that may exist elsewhere,鈥� Patel said.
鈥淣ot one issue will sidetrack the entire relationship.鈥�
The trip also comes as Canada has paused ongoing negotiations for a trade agreement with India.
Earlier this week, federal Trade Minister Mary Ng said the pause is only 鈥渁 reflection to take stock of where we are.鈥�
On Friday, Trudeau said he had nothing to add.
鈥淲e know the negotiations around free trades are long and complex and I won鈥檛 say anymore at this time.鈥�
READ ALSO:
