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A Diplomatic Visit Turns Turbulent
NEW DELHI: The recent visit of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to New Delhi, in the context of the G20 summit, unexpectedly mirrored the deteriorating state of relations between India and Canada. What was meant to be a diplomatic mission turned into a sequence of mishaps.
The 51-year-old Trudeau’s trip took an unforeseen turn when his flight back home faced technical difficulties, causing an unexpected extension of his stay in Delhi. The Royal Canadian Airforce plane, designated as an alternative, was diverted to London via Rome, further delaying the Prime Minister’s departure.
The primary aircraft, CC-150 Polaris 15001, which had initially brought Trudeau to Delhi, suffered a malfunction grounding it at Delhi’s Palam Technical area under Indian Air Force security.
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The wait ensued for a vital component replacement, compounding the Prime Minister’s troubles. In a recent development, however, The Prime minister Office, reverted back to The New Indian‘s inquiry related to PM’s departure today. It informed that the technical issue has been resolved. “The plane has been cleared to fly. The Canadian delegation is expected to depart this afternoon”, the mail said.
This incident is not the first time the aging aircraft has disrupted Trudeau’s travel plans. A similar technical problem occurred in 2018 when he was set to visit New Delhi. However, this time, the delay had broader implications.
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While Trudeau grappled with his extended stay in Delhi, his political rival did not miss the opportunity to take jibes. During the G20 summit, while many leaders held bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trudeau was only granted a brief pull-aside meeting. During this interaction, PM Modi raised concerns about increasing Khalistani extremism in Canada, a sensitive issue that has complicated their bilateral relations. In return, Trudeau voiced his concerns over alleged Indian interference in Canadian affairs.
Trudeau’s decision to skip the G20 gala dinner has raised doubts regarding the relationship. The relationship between the two nations had already reached a low point, influenced by Canada’s government facing criticism for its perceived inaction against Khalistani terrorists on its soil. Trudeau had earlier said that his country will always defend the freedom of peaceful protest. Prime Minister Modi expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, amplifying the diplomatic challenges.
