OTTAWA — Canada should increase its efforts to improve a wobbly bilateral relationship with India, say business leaders, as the world’s most populous country becomes an increasingly “inevitable” economic partner.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made international headlines for a gaffe-filled trip to India last year during which he was mocked for wearing traditional outfits, and had to cancel the apparently accidental invitation of an alleged terrorist to a reception, a mistake that did nothing to correct a perception among some in India that Trudeau is soft on the issue of Sikh extremism. He was in the country six days before he met face-to-face with Modi.
Isabella Brisson, a spokesperson for trade minister Jim Carr, said the Canadian government considers India “a high-priority trading partner,” with bilateral trade and investment increasing “dramatically over the last few years.” Two-way trade was at $9.4 billion in 2018, an almost 12 per cent increase from the previous year, Brisson said.
“My explanation in a lot of these diplomatic relationships is, if mum and dad are fighting do the kids have to suffer? Why should business suffer? … We’ll let the political people sort out their issues, as they’re known to do.” The official opposition is promising they would do a better job at deepening ties with Modi’s government. Modi has historically had good relationships with Conservative politicians in Canada, including a longstanding friendship with the mayor of Brampton and former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown. He welcomed former prime minister Stephen Harper for a visit earlier this year, and met with federal Conservative leader Andrew Scheer during a visit last October.
Sure, just send JustinTrudeau back, they 'love' him... 🤣 cdnpoli
Not if Trudeau remains in power...the guy is an utter disaster.
Only if we elect a new leader....remember the last India trip
But not the fashion plate Trudeau I would think.