PM Modi conveyed concerns about anti-India activities of extremists in Canada: MEA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Canadian PM Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and conveyed India's “strong concerns” about the continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada.

A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said, “They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomtic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.”

It further added that the nexus of such forces with organized crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well.


“It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats.”

PM Modi also mentioned that a relationship based on mutual respect and trust is essential for the progress of India-Canada relationship.

Meanwhile, Trudeau said that though his country will always defend the freedom of peaceful protest, at the same time, it will also push back against hatred.

In a media interaction after meeting PM Modi after the conclusion of the G20 summit, Trudeau, in reply to a question on whether the issue of Khalistani extremists came up during the meeting, said: "Over the years, with PM Modi, we have had many conversations on these issues.”

"Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us. At the same time we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred."

The Canadian prime minister said India is an important partner of Canada in a range of sectors.

"India is an extraordinarily important economy in the world and an important partner to Canada on everything from fighting climate change to creating growth and prosperity for the citizens," he said.

The Canadian prime minister said both sides will continue to look at expanding existing cooperation.

In a post on 'X', Modi said he and Trudeau discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors.