NEW DELHI: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau discussed with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi “recent protests” by Indian farmers along with the commitment of both India and Canada to democratic principles and the importance of resolving issues through dialogue, according to Canadian authorities.
The Indian statement on the same had not mentioned any discussion on the protests. It said that Trudeau had mentioned the need for Canada to acquire vaccines from India and added that if the world managed to conquer Covid, it would be significantly because of India’s tremendous pharmaceutical capacity and Modi’s leadership in sharing this capacity with the world. Though Canadian authorities mentioned the farm stir, the issue is unlikely to have been the provocation for the call.
The ongoing protests by farmers have threatened to send ties with Canada into a tailspin with Trudeau having twice earlier publicly declared support for the rights of farmers to protest peacefully. The government had said last week in Parliament that Trudeau’s “unwarranted” remarks on India’s internal affairs would damage India-Canada relations. “The leaders discussed Canada and India’s commitment to democratic principles, recent protests, and the importance of resolving issues through dialogue,” said the Canadian readout of the conversation between the leaders.
According to the readout, the leaders agreed to “work together” on access to vaccines. It also said though that Trudeau and Modi spoke about India’s “significant efforts in promoting vaccine production and supply” which have provided vital support to countries around the world.