On February 10, Canadian PM Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called up PM Narendra Modi seeking the Indian government’s help in facilitating vaccine supply to Canada. Sharing information about the phone call on social media, PM Modi said that he had assured PM Trudeau that India would do its best to facilitate supplies of COVID vaccines sought by Canada.
https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1359546935586287619?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwIn the official press release by the Ministry of External Affairs, it was mentioned that PM Trudeau informed PM Modi about Canada’s requirements of Covid-19 vaccines from India. PM Trudeau appreciated India’s role in controlling the spread of Covid-19 and providing support to several nations with its pharmaceutical capacity.
The two leaders also talked about several geopolitical issues and agreed to continue the close collaboration between both countries in fighting global challenges like Climate Change and the economic impacts of the pandemic.
The official statement by Canada
In the official statement by PM Trudeau’s office, they mentioned that during the conversation, both leaders talked about the efforts both countries are taking to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. They spoke about the significant efforts India is making in promoting vaccine production and supply, which have provided vital support to countries around the world and agreed to work together on access to the vaccine.
https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1359604268609773569?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwThe two Prime Ministers also talked about the importance of working together on global challenges, including climate change and international trade. Apart from that, the discussion included democratic principles, recent protests and importance resolving issues with dialogues.
Trudeau govt was facing criticism for not reaching out to PM Modi for vaccines
Trudeau’s call is important diplomatically for several reasons. The Trudeau government has been facing criticism in Canada for failing to secure enough vaccine doses for its population. In a conversation with Canadian minister Anita Anand, Conservative Party MP Michelle Rempel Garner had questioned why the Trudeau government is not reaching out to India’s PM Modi for supply of vaccine doses.
India-Canada relations have been bumpy in recent times because the Canadian government’s pandering to Khalistani elements in their politics and populace. Trudeau’s associations with Khalistani elements have been criticised by India on several occasions.