In an apparent rebuff, India on Tuesday did not take part in a high-level bilateral dialogue at the diplomatic-level with Canada claiming that the date was inconvenient. This came days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau backed the protesting farmers in India.
India had termed the remarks by Trudeau as “unwarranted” and conveyed its displeasure while issuing a demarche after summoning Canadian High Commissioner to New Delhi. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar last week also pulled out of a Canadian-led initiative to fight coronavirus pandemic.
Jaishankar did not attend the December 7 meeting organised by Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne to formulate strategies to combat the global pandemic. “Scheduling issues” were cited as the reason for Jaishankar for not taking part in the meet. Incidentally, he had attended the last meeting in November.
As regards the latest development, the diplomatic-evel talks were to be held between Riva Ganguly Das, Secretary (East) and Canadian counterpart.
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar had last week skipped the Ministerial Coordination Group of Covid-19 organised by Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne to formulate strategies on the coronavirus pandemic.
These reactions from India came after Trudeau during a video interaction to mark the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak in Canada described the ongoing protests as “concerning.” He also said Canada will always be there to defend the right to peaceful protest.
Taking exception to the Canadian Prime Minister’s remarks, India in its demarche said “comments by the Canadian Prime Minister, some Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament on issues relating to Indian farmers constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs.”
India also said statements by the Canadian leadership “encouraged gatherings of extremist activities in front of our high commission and consulates in Canada that raise issues of safety and security.”
New Delhi said comments by the Canadian leadership could have a “seriously damaging impact” on ties between India and Canada. India also said Trudeau’s remarks were “ill informed.”