India

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.

Priyanka Rai

Recent Posts

Sensex Falls 931 Points As Trump’s Tariff Move Triggers Global Selloff

The Sensex dropped 930.67 points, or 1.22 per cent, to settle at 75,364.69. It moved…

52 mins ago

Supreme Court To Hear Muslim Side’s Plea In Mathura Dispute On April 8

The SC will hear the Muslim side’s petition in the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute on…

1 hour ago

DNA Can’t Confirm Rape Without Proof Of Lack Of Consent: Delhi High Court

Justice Amit Mahajan said that even if DNA proves the accused is the biological father…

2 hours ago

Supreme Court Allows Yasin Malik To Cross-Examine Witnesses Via Video From Tihar Jail

The SC allowed Yasin Malik to cross-examine prosecution witnesses via video conferencing from Tihar jail,…

2 hours ago

Delhi HC Orders Customs To Stop Seizing Personal Jewellery Of Air Passengers

The Delhi HC directed Customs Department officials not to confiscate old or personal jewellery worn…

2 hours ago

PM Modi Unveils 21-Point Action Plan To Boost BIMSTEC Cooperation At Bangkok Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled a 21-point action plan at the BIMSTEC Summit…

4 hours ago