Canada won’t resume trade talks with India unless the Narendra Modi government cooperates into the murder probe of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver last June, Trade Minister Mary Ng indicated.

The minister made the remarks on Wednesday (Nov 15) on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the US city of San Francisco.

Responding to a reporter’s question about whether the two countries would resume trade talks, Ng said, “Right now, the focus for Canada is to let the work of the investigation proceed.”

“You've heard me and the government talk about how important it is that investigation happens given that we had a Canadian killed on Canadian soil. So we'll let that happen."

<h2>Canadian minister says focus on investigation&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

The minister said that regardless of the pause in trade talks, the Canadian business community has been operating in India, and added that she would make sure that they have the required support they need, CBC News reported.

Ng said Canadian businesses continue to do business in India and her job as trade minister is to make sure they have the support and tools they need.

When asked if cooperation in the murder probe is a prerequisite to normalisation of ties between Canada and India, the minister clarified “no”.

“Our focus is of course on this investigation, that work has to take place. And for Canadian businesses, just to reassure them, because they expect that of their government, that the tools are available to them as they continue to do business and to invest and to make investments and attract investment, that the services of the Canadian government continue to be there for them.”

Even before Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came out with explosive allegations about the “Indian government agents” role in the killing of Nijjar, the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) between India and Canada had been in limbo.

<h2>India-Canada trade talks in limbo</h2>

In September, days before Trudeau’s allegations, India's High Commissioner to Canada &nbsp;Sanjay Kumar Verma told The Canadian Press that trade talks had paused by Canada. He, however, did not give a complete explanation at that time.

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A Team Canada Trade Mission to India, scheduled for October and led by Ng, was also called off.

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India-Canada trade stood at $8.16 billion in 2022-23, which is much less in comparison to $128.7 billion in India's&nbsp;trade with the US.

India primarily imports potash needs from Canada, which is the world’s biggest exporter.

Canada imports pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, textiles, machinery, pulses, timber, pulp and paper, and mining products.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canada won’t resume trade talks with India unless the Narendra Modi government cooperates into the murder probe of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver last June, Trade Minister Mary Ng indicated.

Canada won’t resume trade talks with India unless the Narendra Modi government cooperates into the murder probe of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver last June, Trade Minister Mary Ng indicated. The minister made the remarks on Wednesday (Nov 15) on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the US city of San Francisco. Responding to a reporter’s question about whether the two countries would resume trade talks, Ng said, “Right now, the focus for Canada is to let the work of the investigation proceed.” “You've heard me and the government talk about how important it is that investigation happens given that we had a Canadian killed on Canadian soil. So we'll let that happen." Canadian minister says focus on investigation The minister said that regardless of the pause in trade talks, the Canadian business community has been operating in India, and added that she would make sure that they have the required support they need, CBC News reported. Ng said Canadian businesses continue to do business in India and her job as trade minister is to make sure they have the support and tools they need. When asked if cooperation in the murder probe is a prerequisite to normalisation of ties between Canada and India, the minister clarified “no”. “Our focus is of course on this investigation, that work has to take place. And for Canadian businesses, just to reassure them, because they expect that of their government, that the tools are available to them as they continue to do business and to invest and to make investments and attract investment, that the services of the Canadian government continue to be there for them.” Even before Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came out with explosive allegations about the “Indian government agents” role in the killing of Nijjar, the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) between India and Canada had been in limbo. India-Canada trade talks in limbo In September, days before Trudeau’s allegations, India's High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma told The Canadian Press that trade talks had paused by Canada. He, however, did not give a complete explanation at that time. Also read | Biden calls Xi 'dictator' right after 'constructive' US-China strategic meet A Team Canada Trade Mission to India, scheduled for October and led by Ng, was also called off. Also read | WATCH | Trudeau escorted to safety after pro-Palestinian protesters surround restaurant where he dined India-Canada trade stood at $8.16 billion in 2022-23, which is much less in comparison to $128.7 billion in India's trade with the US. India primarily imports potash needs from Canada, which is the world’s biggest exporter. Canada imports pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, textiles, machinery, pulses, timber, pulp and paper, and mining products. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada won’t resume trade talks with India unless Modi govt cooperates in Nijjar killing probe: Minister

The talks between India and Canada over the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have been put on hold because of political reasons. Citing a senior government official, Livemint reported late Friday (September 15) that the negotiations would resume once the political issues are resolved.

The talks between India and Canada over the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have been put on hold because of political reasons. Citing a senior government official, Livemint reported late Friday (September 15) that the negotiations would resume once the political issues are resolved. The official said that there were certain political developments in Canada to which New Delhi objected. “The moment the political issues are sorted out, the talks will resume. So, it is only a pause," the official told the publication. Earlier, Canada made a similar announcement saying that such a pause was needed to take stock. Canadian minister postpones planned trade mission to India The above developments come amid Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng postponing a planned trade mission to India next month. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, a spokesperson for Minister Ng confirmed the postponement and refused to elaborate. During the G20 Summit in India's capital city New Delhi last week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi snubbed his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau allowing only a short, informal meeting on the sidelines. During their meeting, Modi conveyed strong concerns over Sikh protests against India. Canada has the highest population of Sikhs outside their home state of Punjab in India, and the country has been the site of many protests that have irked India. In a statement, the Modi government said that extremist elements in Canada "are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship." As per reports, while Trudeau was in New Delhi for the G20 Summit, Khalistani separatists held a so-called referendum in Surrey, British Columbia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India-Canada FTA talks on hold; Canadian minister postpones trade mission to New Delhi

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Canada won’t resume trade talks with India unless Modi govt cooperates in Nijjar killing probe: Minister

India-Canada FTA talks on hold; Canadian minister postpones trade mission to New Delhi