Diplomatic Tensions: Modi and Trudeau's ASEAN Exchange

During the ASEAN Summit in Laos, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Justin Trudeau had a brief exchange, signaling ongoing diplomatic tensions. This follows Trudeau's previous accusations against India over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Khalistani separatist, allegations which India has firmly denied.

On the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Laos, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau engaged in what was described as a brief exchange. This meeting marks almost a year since Trudeau accused India of being involved in the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Khalistani separatist leader.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported that Trudeau labeled the interaction as succinct, focusing on necessary diplomatic work between the nations. During a press conference at Vientiane, Trudeau emphasized prioritizing the safety of Canadians and maintaining the rule of law, though he refrained from discussing specifics.

The diplomatic relationship between the two countries has been strained since September of the previous year, following Trudeau's allegations about India's involvement in Nijjar's killing outside a Surrey city gurdwara. India, having designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020, dismissed the accusations as motivated and absurd.

(With inputs from agencies.)