New Delhi: In a clear indication that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s remarks on farmers’ protest in India will have an impact on bilateral ties, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar pulled out of a global meeting on the coronavirus pandemic held virtually this week.
The meeting was chaired by Canada. Sources said the Indian government has informed Canada that Jaishankar will not be able to participate in the Ottawa-headed meeting.
Earlier, the EAM had taken part in the 11th Ministerial Coordination Group on Covid-19 last month – the first time India officially attended the Covid-19 global foreign ministers’ strategy meet.
The Canadian Foreign Ministry had said in a release then: “Minister Champagne (Canadian Foreign Minister) welcomed Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar of India to the group, noting the recent developments in India and emphasizing the critical role India plays in addressing global Covid-19 vaccine and pharmaceutical needs.”
Jaishankar had written on Twitter after that meeting: “Pleased to participate in the Group of Foreign Ministers Meeting to exchange experiences on COVID-related challenges. Thank FM @FP_Champagne of Canada for convening the meeting.”
Other countries in the grouping include Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore and the UK. The December 7 meeting had been called to discuss strategies on battling Covid-19.
However, New Delhi has informed that it will not be able to send its foreign minister due to “scheduling issues”.