Canadian Government indefinitely postponed trade mission to India

The trade mission between India and Canada, which was initially announced during Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Canada in May, has been postponed. After placing a “pause” on the Early Progress Trade Agreement or EPTA in August, the Canadian Government has now indefinitely postponed a trade mission to India scheduled for October.

In this regard, the Canadian Press agency cited Ng's office, adding that it provided no explanation for the postponement. 

This development is part of a growing strain in the relationship due to concerns over pro-Khalistan activities in Canada. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed India's concerns about anti-India activities by extremist elements in Canada during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the G20 summit.

This comes in the wake of the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice organizing the so-called Khalistan Referendum in Surrey, British Columbia, and announcing another round of voting on October 29.

Goldy Hyder, President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada, commented on the postponement, stating that Canada and India have a long-standing economic partnership that is expected to continue despite occasional political tensions.