New Delhi: Describing India and Canada as "vibrant democracies," New Delhi said it believes that the forthcoming meeting between the prime ministers of both nations on the sidelines of the G7 Summit will offer an important opportunity to exchange views and explore pathways to reset bilateral ties.
"Our Prime Minister received a call from the Canadian Prime Minister last week. During the call, Prime Minister Carney invited the Prime Minister to attend the G7. The invitation has been accepted. It was also an occasion for the two Prime Ministers to reflect on India-Canada relations and how to take it forward. India and Canada are vibrant democracies which are bound by shared democratic values and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law and vibrant people to people ties," said Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
He stated that the forthcoming meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis in Canada, will offer an important opportunity for them to exchange views on bilateral and global issues and explore pathways to reset the relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests and sensitivity to each other's concerns.
Relations between India and Canada took a big hit in 2023 after Carney's predecessor, Justin Trudeau, made frivolous and unsubstantiated allegations against New Delhi. "There are existing mechanisms between Indian and Canadian law enforcement agencies that have discussed issues of mutual security concern over a period of time, and this engagement is likely to continue," Jaiswal remarked.
India has accused Canada of tolerating extremism on its soil and failing to take action to curb attacks against its diplomats. "On anti-India activities, whether it is Canada or anywhere else, we have made our point clear that our security concerns are important for us. We expect our international partners to take into account our concerns and act accordingly," said the MEA spokesperson.
