At the G7 Summit in Italy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a significant encounter with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau amidst ongoing tensions between India and Canada over the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This meeting marks their first direct interaction since Trudeau's explosive allegation last year, which accused Indian government agents of involvement in Nijjar's death.
### Background of Tension
In September last year, Trudeau alleged a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing in British Columbia, a claim India has consistently dismissed as "absurd" and "motivated." The accusation significantly strained diplomatic relations between the two nations. India has long expressed concerns about Canada's perceived leniency towards pro-Khalistan elements advocating extremism and violence from Canadian soil.
### The Meeting
Despite these tensions, the meeting between Modi and Trudeau was characterized by a warm greeting. PM Modi tweeted about the interaction, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between the two leaders. However, the underlying issues remained significant. The conversation between Modi and Trudeau came as a crucial step in addressing the strained relations and possibly finding a way forward.
### India's Stance
India maintains that the core issue with Canada is the political space it provides to anti-India elements. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra reiterated India's position, stressing the need for Ottawa to take stringent actions against those promoting extremism and violence. India has repeatedly conveyed its deep concerns to Canada and expects decisive measures from the Canadian government.
### The Nijjar Case
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, labeled a terrorist by India, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is currently investigating the murder. Trudeau's allegations regarding Indian involvement in the killing have been a flashpoint in bilateral relations, leading to the arrest of four Indian nationals in Canada.
### Moving Forward
The brief but significant interaction between Modi and Trudeau at the G7 Summit may signal a willingness to engage in dialogue despite the serious accusations and ongoing investigations. It remains to be seen how this meeting will influence the diplomatic efforts to resolve the tensions and whether Canada will take steps to address India's concerns about pro-Khalistan activities.
