Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday handed Canadian PM Justin Trudeau a list of nine Canada-based operatives allegedly involved in promoting radicalism.
The issues of Sikh separatist movement of Khalistan, trade and agriculture were discussed prominently during the meeting between the two leaders.
Earlier, there were speculations that the meeting may not be held amid Punjab CM’s concerns of some Canadian cabinet ministers being sympathisers or supportive of Khalistan.
Reportedly, Trudeau assured Punjab Chief Minister that Canada doesn’t support any separatist or violent movements.
While addressing the issue of Canada allegedly providing ground to Sikh separation movements, Trudeau told media that the matter was discussed ‘to set the records straight’.
Trudeau mentioned that Canada is committed to the freedom of expression and defending human rights of religious minorities.
The other matters that were discussed in the bilateral meeting were the climate change, creating new jobs and shared military history.
CM Amrinder Singh said that over 64,000 Canadian and 74,000 Indian soldiers who fought in the 1st World War lay buried together in 134 cemeteries.
The chief minister also presented to the Canadian PM his own book ‘Honour and Fidelity - World War I’ and ‘History of Sikhs’ by Khushwant Singh.
On his week-long visit to India, Mr Trudeau is accompanied by wife Sophie and three children -Ella-Grace, Xavier and Hadrien and a delegation of ministers.
PM Trudeau has announced two-way investment deal with India that is worth $1 billion USD.
In this bilateral trade deal, Indian companies will invest more than $250 million in Canada, while Canada plans to invest $750 million in India.
Earlier PM Trudeau, his wife and children paid their obedience at the Harmandir Sahib, also known as Golden Temple in Amritsar.
PM Trudeau’s visit to Harmandir Sahib is seen as a gesture of his respect to the large Sikh immigrant population in Canada.
Sikhs account for roughly 1.5 per cent of Canada's population.
