‘Hard Slap On Those Forces’: Hardeep Puri Slams Khalistani Extremists, Hails India-Canada Reset
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday described the re-engagement between India and Canada as a step in the right direction following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney during the G7 Summit in Canada.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Puri welcomed the agreement between the two leaders to “take calibrated steps to restore stability to the relationship” and said the return of High Commissioners to both countries signalled a shift towards a more focused diplomatic approach.
“Relationship Had Almost Completely Derailed”: Hardeep Puri
Reflecting on the turbulent phase in bilateral relations, Puri noted that ties had suffered a significant setback but were now on course for recovery.
“With Canada, I think there is a special significance… The relationship had almost completely derailed… But the decision that the two sides, after a very fruitful discussion that the PM had with his Canadian counterpart, restore diplomatic relations… the decision that designated new envoys to be stationed in Canada and India, I think, is a very positive development,” he told ANI.
“It means that the relationship will now be handled in a more focused manner.”
According to Puri, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Carney agreed to resume high-level dialogue on trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties. The two sides also decided to restart the trade negotiations that had been put on hold.
In addition to trade and diplomacy, both countries plan to collaborate in areas such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, food security, critical minerals, digital infrastructure, and technology. The leaders have also agreed to maintain regular contact to further develop the bilateral relationship.
“Hired Hands, Funded by Pakistan”: Puri On Khalistani Protest In Canada
Addressing the issue of Khalistani extremism, Puri launched a sharp attack on those fomenting unrest.
“These are hired hands who say they will protest because someone funds them. When the promised funds didn’t come, they protested against the same people who were funding them,” said Puri.
“What the newly elected Prime Minister of Canada said is that it is an honour to work with India on artificial intelligence, energy and the fight against terrorism. Who commits terrorism there? These are the people who get misguided from here and Pakistan funds them.”
He added that the Canadian Prime Minister’s statement was “a hard slap on those forces” and expressed confidence that the difficulties in the bilateral relationship would now be addressed.
“Our India-Canada relations were very good earlier, 1 million Indian-origin people are settled there, our bilateral trade is 8-9 billion dollars. Misguided elements went there to improve their financial situation but spread lies there. I think this visit and its results will be beneficial for both sides in the times to come.”
Puri also criticised the Congress party for allegedly spreading misinformation regarding Prime Minister Modi’s participation at the G7 Summit.
“…Since this G7 Summit was being hosted by Canada, in Calgary, there were a lot of fake narratives which were flowing out of the lie-producing factory which is presently anchored in the INC - things about not being invited, this has not happened, that has not happened,” he remarked.
He stressed that Prime Minister Modi had consistently been an invitee to the G7 Summits and has actively promoted global diplomacy and peace.
“Facts of the matter are that the PM has been an invitee to G7 Summits for several years now. He not only participates but he is always promoting the processes of diplomacy and peace no matter where the tension points globally are,” said the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Prime Minister Modi wrapped up his visit to Canada after attending the G7 Summit and has since departed for Croatia. During his visit, he thanked the Canadian government and its people for hosting the summit and reaffirmed India’s commitment to global peace, prosperity, and security.
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