Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been stranded in India due to technical difficulties with his plane.
The situation unfolded following a tense meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit, and the Canadian military is currently working to secure his return home, with the earliest possible departure scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, according to his office.
Canada’s Department of National Defence has confirmed that the aircraft in question, a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CC-150 Polaris with the tail number ’01’, encountered a maintenance problem linked to a specific component requiring replacement. The department emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and the effectiveness of pre-flight safety checks in identifying such issues.
To facilitate Trudeau’s return, a replacement aircraft was dispatched to India, but it was reportedly diverted to the UK. The anticipated departure from the UK is set for Tuesday, although specific timelines for Trudeau’s return to Canada remain undisclosed.
This incident is not the first instance of Trudeau experiencing plane-related travel issues, as back in 2019, a plane carrying journalists collided with an aircraft chartered for his campaign trail, though he was not onboard at the time.
The strained relationship between Canada and India has been further exacerbated by Canada’s recent suspension of negotiations for a trade treaty with India. Political tensions have arisen due to protests by Canada’s substantial Sikh population, with the killing of advocate Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia earlier this year fueling protests by Sikh separatists in Toronto, who hold the Indian government responsible for his death.
During their meeting, Modi expressed concerns about “continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada,” citing secessionist tendencies and incitement of violence.
Trudeau’s team, in response, highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law, democratic principles, and national sovereignty. Moreover, Trudeau discussed foreign interference with Modi and shared Canada’s ongoing investigation into election interference, which encompasses India, China, and Russia.
