The External Affairs Ministry today said the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit will offer an opportunity to exchange views on bilateral and global issues. In a reply to the question on Mr Modi’s proposed visit to Canada to attend G-7 Summit, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Prime Minister received a call from the Canadian Prime Minister last week inviting him to the G7 Summit. He said, India and Canada are vibrant democracies bound by shared democratic values, a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, and vibrant people-to-people ties.
In reply to another question, Mr Jaiswal said that there are existing mechanisms between Indian and Canadian law enforcement agencies that have discussed issues of mutual security concern over a period of time. He added that this engagement is likely to continue.
Replying to a query on China’s export controls on certain rare-earth related items, Mr Jaiswal said that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs, in early April, announced their decision in this regard. He said that the Government is in touch with the Chinese side, in Beijing as well as in Delhi, to bring predictability in the supply chain for trade consistent with international practices.
On volatility in Los Angeles, Mr Jaiswal said New Delhi takes the safety, security and welfare of Indian citizens abroad with utmost seriousness. He noted that the LA region is home to a significant number of Indians. He advised Indian nationals staying in the region to take suitable safety precautions. He further stated that the Indian Consulate in San Francisco is closely monitoring the situation and remains in close touch with the community members.
The spokesperson strongly condemned the despicable attack and vandalisation of the ancestral home of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore by a mob on 8th June in Sirajganj district of Bangladesh. He said the violent act is a disgrace to the memory and the inclusive philosophy and teachings that the Nobel Laureate espoused in Bangladesh. He pointed out that the attack falls in the broad pattern of systematic attempts by extremists to erase the symbols of tolerance, and eviscerate the syncretic culture and the cultural legacy of Bangladesh.
He urged the interim government to rein in the extremists and take strict action against the perpetrators to prevent the recurrence of such incidents that have become a repetitive feature.
