The Speaker of the Canadian Senate Raymonde Gagne is not going to the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) and Parliamentary Forum, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to open today, due to the political spat with India.
Speakers and group leaders from the following countries are in attendance: Indonesia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Spain, European Parliament, Italy, South Africa, Nigeria, Brazil, UAE, Singapore, Japan, Egypt, and Bangladesh.
Today is the first day of the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) and Parliamentary Forum, which will take place in two distinct sessions. A talk on "One Earth, One Family, One Future with Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG5) showcasing achievements and accelerating progress" is covered in the first session. Nonetheless, "One Earth Sustainable Energy Transition-Gateway to Green Future”.
Arindam Bagchi, a spokesman for the Ministry of External Affairs, stated on Thursday that India has invited all members to the P20. The participating nation, however, decides whether to send a representative to the meeting.
Arindam Bagchi stated, "We invite all members for G20 events, in this case, P20," during his weekly briefing. Their choice to participate is their own, and it depends on a lot of things. You ought to question them, in my opinion. I believe the Speaker of the Parliament was unable to attend, so I will have to confirm if anyone from Canada was present. Bagchi also reaffirmed Canada's need to take its international responsibilities seriously, especially with regard to the safety of Indian diplomats stationed there, and stressed India's resolve to attaining parity in the total number of diplomats.
"We remain committed to what we said, ensuring parity in our diplomatic presence. We remain engaged with the Canadian authorities on the modalities of achieving that." he said.
Bagchi further said, "We would urge Canada to take more seriously the international obligations of providing security to our diplomats and their premises. From our part, I can assure you that everything that India is doing, is in compliance with the Vienna Convention,".When the Canadian government dismissed a top Indian diplomat and claimed that India was involved in the murder of Khalis militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the diplomatic relations between India and Canada worsened. India, meanwhile, has categorically denied the allegations, referring to them as "ridiculous" and "motivated."
Following this, India promptly responded by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat and denying any involvement in the matter in a statement. Notably, Canada has not yet made available any proof to the public regarding the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Arindam Bagchi, a spokesman for the Ministry of External Affairs, responded to allegations earlier this month that indicated Canada has requested the removal of 41 of its 62 diplomats from India, stating that the country has a considerably larger Canadian diplomatic presence there and that they "assume there would be reduction." On June 18, Nijjar, who was considered a terrorist by India, was shot dead outside of a Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada.
