PM Modi Discusses Extremism During Bilateral Talks with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau

By Little India Desk | February 23, 2018

India and Canada signed six Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks on various issues on Feb.23. Trudeau was also welcomed with Modi’s bear hug a gesture he has become known for globally. The Canadian PM was given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

“There should be no space for those who misuse religion for political motives and promote separatism. We will not tolerate those who challenge unity and integrity of our countries,” said PM Modi.

The Indian Prime Minister added that a strategic partnership with Canada holds significance for India. “Our relations are based on democracy, pluralism, the supremacy of law and the mutual interaction,” said Modi adding, “We have agreed to strengthen our security cooperation. Terrorism and extremism are threats to democratic, pluralistic societies like India and Canada. It is important to come with us to combat these strengths.”

Trudeau reiterated Modi’s words of shared values and similar cultures between India and Canada. “As Canada looks to diversify its own economy and looks for new opportunities to do business beyond its boundaries, India is a natural partner and a trusted friend for commercial cooperation.”

The two global leaders focused on trade, defense, civil nuclear cooperation, space, climate change, energy and education. “We share not only rich a history but a set of values that encourage a natural friendship between our two countries,” Trudeau added.

PM Modi took to the social media and updated about his meeting with his Canadian counterpart. “The talks with PM Justin Trudeau were fruitful. Our discussions focused on closer India-Canada cooperation in various sectors including investment, trade, energy and stronger people-to-people relations,” he said on Twitter.

The talks with PM @JustinTrudeau were fruitful. Our discussions focussed on closer India-Canada cooperation in various sectors including investment, trade, energy and stronger people-to-people relations. pic.twitter.com/CoYvJkJwVj

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2018

He also gave a glimpse of the ceremonial welcome of Canadian PM Trudeau and his family on the social media

Glimpses from the ceremonial welcome for PM @JustinTrudeau. Glad that I had the opportunity to meet his family as well. pic.twitter.com/HdH1U7IE7o

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2018

Trudeau’s visit was rife with controversy from the beginning, from not receiving a grand welcome to his wife, Sophie’s photograph with a convicted Khalistani terrorist, Jaspal Atwal, in Mumbai. The Khalistani shadow loomed on Trudeau’s Indian visit.

Atwal had been sentenced to 20 years in jail for an alleged murder of a Punjab minister in Canada in 1986.The Canadian government had extended and later cancelled a dinner invitation to Atwal. Trudeau stated he would take action against the person responsible for the invitation.

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh had accused two of Trudeau’s cabinet ministers of being Khalistani sympathizers, which was dismissed before his arrival in India. Singh, Trudeau and his ministers met this week where Singh addressed the Khalistan issue as well.