Wed Nov 20 07:24:52 UTC 2024: ## G20 Summit: Modi, Trudeau Share Stage Amidst Ongoing Diplomatic Tensions
**Rio de Janeiro, Brazil** – Despite escalating diplomatic tensions, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were seen sharing a stage at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The brief interaction, which also included US President Joe Biden and other world leaders, took place during a group photograph at the Museum of Modern Art on Tuesday.
The encounter comes amidst a significant diplomatic rift between India and Canada sparked by Trudeau’s September allegation that India was involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist, in Canada. India has vehemently denied these accusations, calling them absurd and politically motivated.
Following the allegations, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its high commissioner from Ottawa. Canada’s subsequent attempts to question Indian officials further inflamed the situation. The recent attack on a Hindu temple near Toronto, attributed to pro-Khalistan elements, has also exacerbated the strained relationship.
PM Modi has condemned the attacks on Indian representatives in Canada, while India continues to assert its innocence in Nijjar’s death and criticizes Canada’s alleged appeasement of pro-Khalistan groups. Despite multiple discussions, including at the G20 Summit, Canada has yet to provide concrete evidence supporting its claims against India. The shared photo op at the summit offers a visual representation of the delicate diplomatic balancing act amidst the ongoing crisis.
First Piper 