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"At
this time, we are postponing the upcoming trade mission to
India," said Shanti Cosentino, a spokesperson for the minister,
without giving a reason.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held formal bilateral
meetings with many world leaders during the G20 summit, snubbed
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, allowing only a short,
informal meeting on the sidelines five days ago.
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.
"They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against
Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises and threatening
the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship,"
India's government said after the leaders met.
Earlier on Friday, India said it had paused trade talks with
Canada. Canada made a similar announcement earlier this month,
saying such a pause was needed to "take stock".
Only about four months ago the two nations said they aimed to
seal an initial trade agreement this year.
(Reporting by Steve Scherer in Ottawa; Editing by Chris Reese
and Matthew Lewis)
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