Canada defers Trade Mission to India

Rising tension between India and Canada following former’s string objection to the ongoing Khalistani activities on the Canadian soil was reflected in the trade ties between the two countries.

Canada has deferred the Trade Mission to India as tension rises between the two countries on the issue.

A spokesperson of the Canadian commerce minister confirmed that Trade Mission to India was being deferred.

"At this time, we are postponing the upcoming trade mission to India," said Shanti Cosentino, a spokesperson for the minister, without giving a reason.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held formal bilateral meetings with many world leaders during the G20 summit, snubbed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, allowing only a short, informal meeting on the sidelines five days ago.

The development comes close on the heels of the recently concluded G20 Summit in the India where Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada was given a cold shoulder by India.

Prime minister Narendra Modi had also raised the issue of the separatist activities being undertaken in Canada by the Khalistani activists on its soil with the Canadian PM during their talks in Delhi.

Modi had clearly asked Trudeau to ensure that the Khalistani activists were not allowed to undertake anti-India activities and harm religious places there.

Canada has the highest population of Sikhs outside their home state of Punjab in India, and the country has been the site of many protests that have irked India.

"They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship," Indian government said after the leaders met.

Earlier on Friday, India said it had paused trade talks with Canada. Canada made a similar announcement earlier this month, saying such a pause was needed to "take stock".