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At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a brief interaction during the leaders' group photo session. US President Joe Biden stood between them as the trio conversed. The gathering took place at the Museum of Modern Art, where world leaders united for the group photo. This meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Canada, stemming from serious allegations made by Trudeau last year. He claimed Indian agents were linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan terrorist, in Surrey, Canada. India has denied the accusations, calling them baseless and absurd.  

A year of deteriorating relations  

India-Canada relations began deteriorating in September 2023 after Trudeau’s remarks. Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India, was gunned down outside a gurdwara. Canada sought to question Indian diplomats in connection with the killing, leading to retaliatory actions by both governments. India expelled six Canadian diplomats, while Canada reduced its diplomatic presence in New Delhi.  

India has consistently criticized Canada for allowing pro-Khalistan groups to operate freely. These groups, India claims, aim to undermine its sovereignty and promote separatist agendas. Tensions further escalated when radicals attacked a Hindu temple near Toronto earlier this month. The attackers disrupted a consular camp hosted by Indian officials, sparking widespread outrage in India.  

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India's strong response  

Prime Minister Modi condemned the temple attack, calling it a deliberate act of intimidation against Indian diplomats. He emphasized that such violence would not weaken India’s resolve and urged Canada to ensure justice. Despite this, India remains dissatisfied with Ottawa’s response to Khalistani activities, accusing it of inaction.  

Trudeau’s stance on the Nijjar issue and his government’s handling of Khalistan-related violence have drawn criticism from India. These issues, coupled with the diplomatic fallout, have placed a significant strain on bilateral ties. The brief interaction between Modi and Trudeau at the G20 Summit did little to suggest any immediate resolution to these tensions. 

India continues to demand accountability from Canada while reiterating its commitment to protecting its sovereignty and citizens abroad.