Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his dissatisfaction with the G20 leaders’ declaration on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, stating that he believed it should have been stronger if it were up to him.
During a closing summit news conference, Trudeau acknowledged that other leaders wanted a weaker declaration. He described the G20 as a diverse group and praised the representatives for working hard to achieve the strongest language possible.
The final declaration at the G20 summit touched on various issues, but the language regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has become less forceful compared to previous meetings.
The host country, India, posted the consensus statement on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website one day before the summit concluded. The statement called for an end to military destruction and attacks on infrastructure to prevent further damage to food security, energy security, and supply chains.
This year’s G20 summit removed the explicit criticism of Russia’s aggression and demand for troop withdrawal seen in the previous summit in Bali.
In support of Ukraine, Trudeau affirmed that Canada would stand with them for as long as necessary, stating that Russia’s invasion not only constituted a criminal act but also posed a threat to global energy and food security.
Trudeau emphasized the need for collective action against Russia’s actions and called for Moscow’s immediate withdrawal from Ukraine in order to establish a just and lasting peace. He firmly stated that Canada would never recognize the results of the “sham elections” conducted by Russia in Ukraine.
The G20 expressed the need to resume grain, foodstuff, and fertilizer shipments between Russia and Ukraine to ensure food security in Africa and other parts of the developing world.
The leaders’ communique also touched on gender equality, countering terrorism and money laundering, and promoting digital technology and green infrastructure.
Although Canada has a significant Indian diaspora, there are unresolved tensions in diplomatic relations between the two countries due to the presence of a movement in Canada advocating for a separate Sikh homeland in the Punjab region.
In addition, Trudeau’s national security adviser has identified India as a top source of foreign interference in Canada, a distinction that Canada has predominantly reserved for authoritarian regimes.
Trudeau disclosed that he discussed both issues during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the summit. Regarding foreign interference, Trudeau emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, the integrity of democratic institutions, and the ability of citizens to determine their own future without outside interference.
In a notable interaction, Modi attempted to grasp Trudeau’s hand during a wreath-laying ceremony, but Trudeau pulled away. At the same ceremony, Modi had embraced several other leaders with a handhold, including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Trudeau’s withdrawal from the longer handhold raised questions, to which Trudeau responded that people are free to interpret the gesture as they wish.
Trudeau’s absence from Modi’s leaders’ dinner the night before also raised speculation, but the Prime Minister’s Office declined to provide an explanation.
© 2023 The Canadian Press
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