Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's recent trip to India has not only resulted in his prolonged stay due to an aircraft snag but has also generated substantial backlash and criticism from various quarters. The reactions from the media, experts, and politicians in Canada reflect the overall mood of discontent.
Pierre Poilievre, the leader of Canada's opposition, took to X (formerly Twitter) to make a scathing remark, expressing his concerns about a Canadian Prime Minister facing repeated humiliation on the global stage. The Toronto Sun headline, "This Way Out," further emphasized Trudeau's perceived difficulties at the G20 summit in India.
Additionally, Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party of Canada shared a video highlighting Trudeau's international embarrassments with the caption 'Trudeau's never-ending global clown show grounded in India.'
Trudeau was initially scheduled to depart from India after the G20 Summit on Sunday but faced an aircraft snag, leaving him stranded for more than 36 hours. Even a replacement plane meant to transport him back was diverted to London. While this wasn't the first time Trudeau's travel plans were disrupted due to a plane issue, the timing couldn't have been worse.
Trudeau's visit to India did little to mend the strained relations that have developed between him and India, primarily due to his perceived support for Khalistani elements in Canada. He skipped the G20 leaders' dinner, withdrew his hand during a handshake with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and had a brief meeting with Modi at Rajghat, which was accompanied by a cold and curt statement from the Prime Minister's Office in Delhi.
During this meeting, PM Modi expressed strong concerns about the activities of extremist elements in Canada, promoting secessionism, inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.
Trudeau's diplomatic missteps during the G20 trip not only strained relations with India but also distanced Canada from key allies. Political commentator Brian Lilley criticized Trudeau for worsening relations with India and damaging Canada's economic interests. He highlighted a photograph of President Joe Biden seemingly lecturing Trudeau during the G20 Summit.
Furthermore, Lilley questioned Trudeau's policy choices, suggesting they were driven by his narrow political interests and catered to the Sikh community in Canada, even if it hurt the country economically. Canada recently abandoned trade deal negotiations with India, while the UK, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is progressing toward a free trade agreement with India.
Trudeau's domestic situation is evolving rapidly, with Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party gaining support. An Abacus Data survey revealed that 40 percent of voters would choose the Conservatives, while 26 percent favored Trudeau's Liberals. The survey attributed the Conservative lead to negative impressions of the Liberal government and Trudeau himself, as well as a general sense of dissatisfaction in Canada's direction.
In conclusion, while Trudeau managed to depart India after an embarrassing delay, the political ground he returned to appears increasingly unstable.