'Secessionist elements' inciting violence against Indian diplomats in Canada: Modi tells Trudeau

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI (AA) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday conveyed his "strong concerns" to his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau about the "continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements" in Canada, according to a statement by the Foreign Ministry.

Modi met Trudeau on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in New Delhi.

“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,” said Modi, according to the Indian ministry.

“The nexus of such forces with organized crime, drug syndicates, and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats,” he said.

The Indian prime minister said that the India-Canada relations are "anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties."

Trudeau congratulated Modi on the success of India's G-20 presidency.

Later, while talking about extremism and "foreign interference," Trudeau told reporters: "Both the issues came up. Over the years, with Premier Modi, we have had many conversations on both of those issues. Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us. At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred.”