PM Modi, Justin Trudeau, Joe Biden Clicked Together In G20 Group Photo Amid Strained Indo-Canadian Ties

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen briefly interacting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, despite strained bilateral relations. The two leaders were also observed speaking with US President Joe Biden.

During a group photograph at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, Modi and Trudeau engaged in conversation with Biden, who stood between them.

India-Canada relations have reached a historic low since Trudeau alleged in September last year that Indian government agents were linked to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, had already been declared a terrorist by India, which dismissed Trudeau's accusation as 'absurd.'

Tensions escalated further when Canada recently sought to question the Indian High Commissioner and five additional diplomats as 'persons of interest' in Nijjar's murder. In response, India withdrew its diplomats and expelled six Canadian officials from New Delhi.

India has also accused Canada of failing to curb the activities of Khalistan supporters, who aim to undermine India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Attack on Hindu Temple in Canada

Earlier this month, pro-Khalistan radicals attacked a Hindu temple near Toronto, where Indian officials were conducting a consular camp.

Modi strongly condemned the violence, calling it 'deliberate' and part of 'cowardly attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats.' He added, 'Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,' he wrote on X."