JOHANNESBURG– Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold a closely watched bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney today on the margins of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. This India Canada G20 Meeting is seen by diplomatic circles as the most significant step yet in the ongoing efforts to reset the severely strained relationship between the two nations.
The bilateral engagement, finalized weeks in advance, will be the second in-person interaction between the two leaders this year, signaling a joint political will to move beyond the tensions that escalated in 2023.
Thawing Relations
The relationship between India and Canada hit a historic low after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly leveled allegations concerning the 2023 killing of a Khalistan separatist on Canadian soil. The resulting diplomatic fallout saw mutual expulsions of diplomats and the near-stalling of key bilateral cooperation.
Since then, efforts have been underway to stabilize the partnership. A positive shift was noted during the G7 Summit earlier this year, where PM Carney invited PM Modi for a meeting on the sidelines. The current India Canada G20 Meeting confirms that both governments are committed to establishing a “constructive relationship based on mutual respect for rule of law.”
Detailed Report–
Key Agenda Points
The leaders are expected to tackle a range of issues crucial to normalizing and elevating the partnership. Key topics include:
- Trade and Investment: Advancing discussions on resuming stalled trade talks and boosting cooperation in critical areas like energy, technology, and critical minerals.
- Law Enforcement Dialogue: A critical sticking point remains the dialogue on public safety and law enforcement cooperation, which Canadian officials have stressed is vital for normalization.
- Territorial Integrity: Reaffirming a commitment to upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, a core concern for New Delhi regarding separatist activities.
The meeting today on the sidelines of the G20 is more than just a formal handshake; it is a strategic necessity for both countries, which share significant economic and people-to-people ties.
The outcome of this India Canada G20 Meeting will set the tone for future engagements and determine the pace at which the two global partners can fully restore a functional, forward-looking relationship.
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