New Delhi, 13 Oct 2023: In a notable development amidst tense diplomatic relations between India and Canada, Canadian Senate Speaker Raymonde Gagne will abstain from attending the G20 parliamentary speakers’ summit in New Delhi, according to a release by Kashmir Media Service (KMS). The two-day event, part of India’s ongoing year-long presidency of the G20 major economies, commenced today and unfolds against a backdrop of strained bilateral ties following Canada’s investigation into allegations that tie Indian agents to the assassination of a Sikh leader.
Ties between India and Canada have observed a discernible chill with Canada undertaking investigations that explore possible links between Indian agents and the demise of a Sikh leader. The absence of Speaker Gagne at the summit, which marks a significant event under India’s presidency of the G20, expiring in November, manifests as a tangible expression of the ongoing diplomatic tension between the two nations.
Arindam Bagchi, an Indian foreign ministry spokesperson, conveyed, “We invite all members for G20 events. Participation is their decision and subject to a number of factors.” This statement underscores the voluntary participation nature of the G20 events, recognizing the autonomy of member countries in deciding their attendance based on multifaceted considerations.
The development follows a series of occurrences that have noticeably impacted Indo-Canadian relations, pointing towards an apparent freeze in diplomatic interactions between the two nations. This conspicuous absence at a high-profile international summit illuminates the ongoing geopolitical intricacies and provides a tangible reflection of the prevailing diplomatic atmosphere between Canada and India.
Navigating through these complex international relationships, the participating nations at the G20 summit are anticipated to engage in dialogues and discussions that address global economic, social, and political challenges, while the understated diplomatic narratives, such as the absence of prominent leaders, are likely to resonate through the corridors of these global forums.