Introduction:
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s official visit to India for the G20 Summit 2023 has been marked by unexpected diplomatic tensions and logistical challenges, including a technical issue with the delegation’s aircraft. As Trudeau remains in India along with his delegation, the situation has garnered attention and raised questions about the progress of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Aircraft Technical Issues:
The Canadian Prime Minister and his delegation encountered a significant setback when their aircraft experienced a technical malfunction while attempting to depart from Delhi. Currently stranded in India, Trudeau’s team awaits the arrival of a backup plane and necessary spare parts to address the mechanical problem. The decision on whether Trudeau will return home using the backup aircraft or wait for the repair of the original plane is pending, as reported by Bloomberg, citing a government official.
Nature of Maintenance Issue:
Canada’s Department of National Defence has clarified that the maintenance problem involves a component that necessitates replacement. However, the official statement from the Canadian Prime Minister’s office suggests that the delegation, led by Trudeau, is likely to depart from India on Tuesday late afternoon. The situation remains fluid, and updates continue to be provided.
G20 Summit Delays:
Trudeau’s presence in India for the G20 Summit, scheduled for September 9-10, has been extended due to the aircraft issue. The Canadian delegation will remain in India until the engineering team successfully resolves the problem with the aircraft, as confirmed by an airport official. Trudeau arrived in Delhi on September 8, accompanied by his son Xavier, to participate in the international summit. Upon arrival, he was warmly received by Union Minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
Diplomatic Strains:
Trudeau’s diplomatic visit to India has been marked by perceptions of tension and cooling relations. Notably, he chose to skip the G20 gala dinner for world leaders, as reported by Canadian news outlets. Bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trudeau were characterized as brief and seemingly chilly, with PM Modi expressing “strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada.”
PM Modi highlighted the promotion of secessionism and incitement of violence against Indian diplomats in Canada, leading to damage to diplomatic premises and posing a threat to the Indian community in Canada, as well as their places of worship.
Cooperation and Future Prospects:
In response to concerns about “anti-India activities” in Canada, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) emphasized the association of extremist elements with organized crime, drug syndicates, and human trafficking, underscoring the importance of bilateral cooperation to address such threats.
Trudeau, addressing the issue of Khalistani extremism during a press briefing, assured that Canada is committed to preventing violence and countering hatred. He also reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to defending freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and the right to peaceful protest. Trudeau acknowledged that the actions of a few do not represent the entire community or Canada as a whole.
In addition to addressing these issues, Trudeau acknowledged India as an “important partner to Canada” in matters related to climate change, growth, and prosperity for citizens, emphasizing the potential for future collaboration between the two nations.
Photo credit: G20 Press Office via AP
