Modi set to meet Trudeau at G7 amid tensions over extremism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Italy on Thursday for his fifth consecutive G7 Summit, representing India as a guest nation. PM Modi is likely to hold talks with his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau, on the sidelines amid strained relations.
India has serious concerns over “political space” provided by Canada to anti-India elements advocating violence, said Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra. New Delhi has repeatedly conveyed this to Ottawa, expecting decisive action.
His remarks came amid tensions following Trudeau’s accusations last year of Indian agents’ involvement in the killing of a Khalistani extremist in Canada. India dismissed the remarks as “absurd”. There have also been threats by pro-Khalistani groups to harm Indian diplomats.
The G7 Summit in Rome from Friday will see the participation of leaders of the world’s major economies. On earlier vandalism of a Gandhi statue in Italy, Kwatra said India raised the issue with Italian authorities, who took corrective measures.
During the visit, Modi will engage with partners on pressing global issues, his fifth consecutive attendance at the G7 deliberations. His talks with Trudeau are awaited over the contentious extremism matter.
