Chennai: In what is touted to be a response to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s remarks on the farmers’ protest here, India has pulled out from a global meeting that will be chaired by Canada.
According to sources, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, has confirmed that he will not be able to participate in the meeting on the Coronavirus pandemic.
It may be recalled, the External Affairs Ministry had taken part in the 11th Ministerial Coordination Group on Covid-19 last month.
This month’s meeting had been called to discuss strategies on battling Covid-19. However, India has informed that Jaishankar would not be attending the same, due to ‘scheduling issues’.
Earlier, the Centre has taken strong offence to Trudeau’s remarks on the continuing farmers’ protests in Delhi.
Terming his statements as ill-informed, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, “Such comments are unwarranted, especially when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country. It is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes”.
Speaking at an online event to mark the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, Trudeau had said, “The situation is very concerning. All of us are worried about family and friends, and this is a reality for many. Let me remind you. Canada will always defend the rights of peaceful protesters. We have intimated our concerns to the Indian authorities”.