Justin Trudeau
By Venkatesh Raghavan
Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau winning a consecutive third term in September, 2021 was followed close on heels with a congratulatory message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two counterparts had a telephonic conversation in which Trudeau assured Modi of an environment of mutual support and trust that would help both nations combat the Covid19 pandemic.
The news about mutual cooperation came after media reports poured in that Trudeau had changed his earlier stand that favoured the agitating farmers in India. This was viewed as unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of our country with diplomatic channels expressing displeasure over his statement. Trudeau however, chose to alter his earlier stand and mend fences with the damage done in bilateral relations. In his altered stand, he commended the Indian government for apt handling of the farmers’ protest issue. Modi’s tweet read, “I look forward to continuing working with you to further strengthen India-Canada relations, as well as our cooperation on global and multilateral issues.” Earlier, in February, Modi had expressed full support for his Canadian counterpart’s Covid19 vaccination programme.
After assuming charge for the third consecutive term, it was also learnt that India and Canada will be working together on signing a mini trade pact that will facilitate bilateral business interests of the two countries. The reported pact has been on the anvil for quite some time and is expected to receive top priority in the days to follow. While Trudeau’s behaviour in his earlier India visit was a dampener for both countries, owing to his perceived pro-Khalistan stand, both sides look to have tided over their differences and are keen on pursuing the path of mutual cooperation. Trudeau literally received a coldshoulder from the Indian government, during his late February, 2018. This was against the backdrop of his continued and overt support extended to pro-Khalistan Sikh militants besides sharing public platforms with Sikh separatist elements.
The 49-year-old Prime Minister who was first elected to office in 2015, held snap polls in Canada, in anticipation of a favourable response to his handling of the pandemic crisis in his country. The latest bilateral dialogue between the countries took place in July this year, when the Canadian side had held the mini trade pact talks. However, the matter got postponed owing to the impending Canadian elections.
