Canada's Trudeau stranded in India by plane problems

1 year ago 21
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Justin Trudeau in IndiaImage source, Getty Images

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Relations between Canada and India have grown increasingly strained in recent years

By Lisa Lambert

BBC News, Washington DC

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is stranded in India after his plane experienced technical difficulties.

The Canadian military is working to bring Mr Trudeau home but his earliest possible departure is Tuesday afternoon, his office said.

Mr Trudeau was set to leave on Sunday, following a tense meeting with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit.

The flight situation "remains fluid", his office said.

The relationship between Canada and India is growing increasingly strained, with Canada recently suspending negotiations on a trade treaty with India.

Political protests by Canada's large Sikh population are a flashpoint.

A prominent advocate for a separate Sikh nation, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was shot dead by two masked gunmen in British Columbia in June. Sikh separatists took to the streets of Toronto to protest the Indian government, which they believe is responsible for his death. The killing is still under investigation.

In the meeting with Mr Trudeau, Mr Modi aired concerns about "continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada", who he said were promoting secessionism and inciting violence, according to his office.

Meanwhile, Mr Trudeau's team said the prime minister had "raised the importance of respecting the rule of law, democratic principles, and national sovereignty".

Mr Trudeau later told a press conference he had also discussed foreign interference with Mr Modi. Canada is including India in its sweeping investigation into election interference, which is also looking into China and Russia.

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