PM Modi Finally Meets Trudeau, Talks Trade, Counter-Terrorism
Trudeau described India as a natural partner for commercial cooperation.
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Video Editor: Vivek Gupta
Nearly a week after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him on 23 February, the last day of his visit to India.
The two leaders held extensive talks on key issues of counter-terrorism and extremism, as well as ways to boost trade ties, after which the two sides inked six pacts, including a pact on energy co-operation.
Modi made it clear that those challenging India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity would not be tolerated, seen as a veiled reference to the Canadian government's “soft approach” towards the Khalistan issue.
Asserting that it is important that the two countries work together to fight terrorism, Modi said there should be no place for those who promote separatism and misuse religion for political motives.
Trudeau's “pro-Khalistan approach” was criticised by many including Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who raised the issue with the Canadian prime minister during a meeting on 21 February. On his part, Trudeau had assured Singh that his country does not support separatism in India or elsewhere.
After extensive talks between Modi and Trudeau, the two sides inked six pacts, including energy cooperation agreements.
Observing that Trudeau has visited various parts of India in last few days, Modi said the Canadian leader must have experienced the diversity of the country.
On his part, Trudeau described India as “a natural partner for commercial cooperation.”
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had also called on the Canadian prime minister earlier and discussed various issues of mutual interest between India and Canada.
The Trudeau family also laid wreaths at Rajghat in New Delhi, early on 23 February.
(With inputs from PTI)
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