G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit: Canada’s Absence – Linked To Trudeau-Nijjar Fallout?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) in the national capital today, October 13, Friday. However, notable tensions have arisen between India and Canada, as Canada is conspicuously absent from the P20 and Parliamentary Forum program list.

These tensions stem from the ongoing dispute over the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which has escalated to the point where India has asked Canada to withdraw its diplomats. This request comes in response to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of the involvement of Indian agents in the Nijjar killing.

It is crucial to note that India vehemently rejects these allegations. Hardeep Singh Nijjar was an unequivocal supporter of Khalistan and was designated as a terrorist in 2020. He met his end at the hands of two masked gunmen. India’s demand was for Canada to withdraw 41 diplomats by October 10, further indicating the severity of the situation.

Sources have reported ongoing talks between the two nations regarding India’s demand to reduce the number of Canadian diplomatic staff in the country. India’s stance is rooted in seeking parity in mutual diplomatic presence, but Canada has thus far rejected this argument.

Notwithstanding these diplomatic tensions, the summit will proceed as planned. Speakers and heads of delegations from various countries, including Indonesia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Spain, European Parliament, Italy, South Africa, Russia, Turkiye, Nigeria, Australia, Brazil, UAE, Singapore, Japan, Egypt, and Bangladesh, are set to be present at the event.

The Parliament of India is hosting the summit under the broader framework of India’s G20 Presidency. The theme of the 9th P20 Summit is ‘Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future.’

The Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed that the event will be attended by Speakers of Parliaments from G20 member countries and invitee nations.

The summit will focus on four key subjects: Transformation in People’s Lives through Public Digital Platforms; Women-led development; Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and Sustainable Energy Transition.