Canadian PM Justin Trudeau who is currently in India for a week-long tour was welcomed by PM Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, and other members of the Union Cabinet, this morning. As soon as Mr. Trudeau reached the Rashtrapati Bhavan, he received PM Narendra Modi’s signature “bear hug”. Modi also welcomed Mrs. Trudeau and the kids with a big smile. Later, PM Trudeau also visited the Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
The Canadian Prime Minister also held bilateral talks with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Their meeting involved discussions on a wide range of issues including strengthening relations in trade and investment, security, people to people contacts, cybersecurity, and other relevant matters.
Furthermore, the talks will also focus on civil nuclear cooperation, space, climate change, education, and defense. The discussions will also involve measures on counter-terrorism and India’s concern over Sikh radicalism in Canada. Besides, in the delegation level talks, a number of agreements are expected to be signed in several areas.
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and his family posing with PM Modi
The Trudeaus started their Indian tour by visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra after which they headed to Gujarat’s Sabarmati Ashram. Interestingly, the entire family was seen in Indian attire at the ashram. Mr. Trudeau also headed to Mumbai to visit the Jama Masjid after which he met some notable Bollywood celebrities like Shahrukh Khan and R Madhwan.
Unlike many other world leaders, Trudeau was not received by PM Modi on his arrival in India. Reportedly, this may have been the result of a snub over the former’s soft stance over Khalistan supporters. Further, the presence of Jaspal Atwal, a Khalistan supporter at a function in Mumbai, also raised a lot of eyebrows. However, his invite was later canceled and PM Justin Trudeau himself assured that the concerned department will take full responsibility for Jaspal’s action
