Justin Trudeau’s Challenging India Trip: Plane Snag and Diplomatic Hiccups Prolong Stay
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to India has encountered multiple hurdles, leading to an extended and turbulent stay. Justin Trudeau’s presence at the G20 Summit was notably subdued, and he even missed the official gala dinner. However, the most significant setback came when a technical issue grounded his plane, forcing Justin Trudeau’s to remain in Delhi. To make matters worse, the replacement aircraft sent to pick him up was diverted, further delaying his departure.
Justin Trudeau’s absence from the G20 gala dinner raised eyebrows, with no official explanation provided by the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office. The awkwardness continued when G20 leaders paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. During this event, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attempted to hold Trudeau’s hand, but Trudeau withdrew, creating an uncomfortable moment. Justin Trudeau was the only leader to pull away from the extended handhold, and when asked about it, he offered no clear explanation.
Moreover, the pull-aside talks between PM Modi and Trudeau did not go well. The Indian statement afterward was brief and chilly, emphasizing Canada’s inaction against Khalistani elements operating within the country. India expressed strong concerns about these elements promoting secessionism, inciting violence against Indian diplomats, and posing threats to the Indian community and their places of worship in Canada.
India has consistently raised the issue of Canada’s reluctance to address Khalistani elements, linking it to what they see as the Trudeau government’s “vote bank politics.” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had previously criticized Canada for providing space to separatists and extremists, particularly after reports of celebrations in Canada following the assassination of PM Indira Gandhi. Despite these concerns, Trudeau remained non-committal about taking action against Khalistani elements during his recent visit, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.
Trudeau’s departure from India has been marred by the technical issue that grounded his plane. The Canadian Armed Forces sent another aircraft to pick him up, but it too faced an unscheduled diversion to London, causing further delays. Trudeau now faces the prospect of spending at least two nights in Delhi before finally returning to Canada.
In summary, Justin Trudeau’s trip to India has been marked by diplomatic hiccups and logistical challenges. Justin Trudeau’s absence from key G20 events, awkward interactions with Indian leaders, and the extended stay due to plane issues have created a less-than-ideal visit for the Canadian Prime Minister. The strained relations between Canada and India, particularly regarding the issue of Khalistani elements, have further complicated the trip. Trudeau’s departure from India will conclude what has been a challenging diplomatic journey he would likely prefer to forget.