G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit Kicks Off Sans Canadian Presence Amid Diplomatic Dispute

New Delhi, October 13, 2023 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to inaugurate the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit, known as P20, in the nation's capital today, on this Friday, the 13th of October. Notably, Canada is conspicuously absent from both the P20 Summit and the Parliamentary Forum program.

The notable absence of Canada from this prestigious gathering comes amidst ongoing tensions between India and Canada, stemming from the controversial killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The diplomatic dispute intensified when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in the Nijjar assassination, leading to India's request for the withdrawal of Canadian diplomats.

Sources indicate that diplomatic discussions are underway to address India's demand for a reduction in the number of Canadian diplomatic staff within the country. India has called for equal representation in terms of diplomatic presence, but Canada has thus far declined this request.

Speakers and delegation heads from a diverse group of nations, including Indonesia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Spain, the European Parliament, Italy, South Africa, Russia, Turkiye, Nigeria, Australia, Brazil, the UAE, Singapore, Japan, Egypt, and Bangladesh, are set to participate in the event.

The P20 Summit, hosted by the Indian Parliament within the broader framework of India's G20 Presidency, revolves around the theme, 'Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future.'

According to the Prime Minister's Office, the event is expected to draw the participation of Speakers of Parliaments from G20 member nations and invitee countries.

The 9th P20 Summit will delve into four core subjects: Transformation in People's Lives through Public Digital Platforms, Women-led Development, Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Sustainable Energy Transition.

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