'Justin Trudeau commends India's efforts to hold dialogue with protesting farmers': MEA

In a surprising change of stance over farm laws, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised efforts of Government of India for holding several rounds of discussions with agitating farmers over agrarian laws.

Speaking of Trudeau's praises for Indian Government, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Friday said, "You would have seen readouts from both sides on farmers protest, PM Trudeau commended efforts of India to choose path of dialogue as befitting in democracy. He also ackwledges responsibility of his government in providing protection to Indian personnel and premises in Canada."

Trudeau also assured security to Indian diplomatic missions and diplomats in Canada in wake of separatists and pro-Khalistani elements reorganising ir movements ever since farmers' protests began.

Change of stance after conversation with PM Modi

This change of tone has seemingly come after Trudeau had a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak over a range of issues including  farm laws and his request to India to supply COVID-19 vaccines to Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister had earlier expressed support to farmers' protests against farm laws, which seemed to be a political move to garner support of Sikhs who reside in Canada in large numbers.

Taking an opposing stand against Government of India, Trudeau had said, " situation is concerning and we are all very worried about family and friends. Canada will always be re to defend right of peaceful protest."

His comments called for retaliation from Indian Government who termed his remarks as "unwarranted" for India's internal affairs while adding that it would dam India-Canada bilateral relations.

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Trudeau faces criticism over procurement of vaccines

A few days ago, Trudeau government was questioned over delay in procuring COVID-19 vaccines and Canadian opposition MPs had questioned  government if y reached out to India for vaccines, to which government had response. After Trudeau's call on Thursday, PM Modi took to Twitter to assert that "India would do its best to supply COVID-19 vaccines sought by Canada"

"Expressing his appreciation, Prime Minister Trudeau said that if world mand to conquer COVID-19, it would be significantly because of India's tremendous pharmaceutical capacity, and Prime Minister Modi's leadership in sharing this capacity with world.  Prime Minister thanked PM Trudeau for his sentiments," a press release from PMO read.

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