MP Jason Kenney introduced Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “The man who has won the largest democratic mandate in human history”. According to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Modi is the first sitting Indian Prime Minister to visit Canada in a stand alone tour in 42 years.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit was met with both adoration and disdain at some of the events in Canada this week. Protesters alleged Modi’s BJP government discriminates against non-Hindus. In 2002, there were anti-Muslim riots in Gujurat, India that resulted in over 1,000 deaths during anti-Muslim riots. Protesters hold Modi responsible because he was the state’s Chief Minister at the time.
Stephen Harper had his own detractors during the visit while accompanying India’s Prime Minister. Outside the Pinnacle Hotel protesters chanted “Leave Now” and “Arrest Harper”.
Canadian Prime Minister Harper and Indian Prime Minister Modi in Vancouver. Photo by Steve Marshall
Security was tight at The Pinnacle Vancouver Harbourfront Hotel. After PM Harper gave his speech, PM Modi spoke through an English interpreter. “I believed this visit is successful. Although India and Canada have so much in common, we were not in each other’s thoughts for so many years. But today it is my deep belief that not only we will be present in each other’s thoughts but also in our endeavors. We will walk together, we will be with each other.” said PM Modi during his speech.
It appears the first order of business with Canada is to purchase 3,000 tons of Saskatchewan uranium to fuel India’s power reactors plus some other mutually beneficial agreements.
