PM Modi responds to Justin Trudeau’s congratulatory message
On Monday, a day after taking oath as Prime Minister for the third term, Narendra Modi responded to his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau’s congratulatory message, saying he looks forward to the two countries working together based on “mutual understanding and respect for each other’s concerns.”
“Thank you @CanadianPM for the congratulatory message. India looks forward to working with Canada based on mutual understanding and respect for each other’s concerns,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
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PM Modi’s statement comes amid ongoing tensions with Canada stemming from Trudeau’s remarks last year accusing India of participation in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has dismissed the claims as “absurd” and “motivated”.
Interestingly, PM Modi took four days to respond to Trudeau’s congratulations post, but he responded quickly to similar well-wishes from other foreign leaders.
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Trudeau had recently expressed his wishes to PM Modi on June 6, following the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The coalition won 294 out of 543 seats.
“Congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his electoral victory,” Trudeau had tweeted. “Canada stands ready to work with his government, fostering a relationship anchored in human rights, diversity, and the rule of law.”
Tensions between India and Canada over Nijjar’s killing persist
More than seven months after Trudeau alleged that Indian government operatives were engaged in Nijjar’s murder, Canada announced in May that three people had been arrested in connection with the investigation. The three guys, all Indian nationals, were charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder.
Only a few days later, a fourth Indian national was arrested in Canada in connection with the case. India stated that Ottawa had “not shared any specific or relevant evidence or information to date” in connection with Nijjar’s death.
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India has maintained that the major issue between the two countries is Canada’s willingness to allow pro-Khalistani groups to operate freely on its soil. Pro-Khalistani groups have threatened to harm Indian officials.
Days after Trudeau’s charges last year, India urged Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country to achieve balance. Canada later withdrew 41 diplomats and their families from India.
