Politics

Those who misuse religion to divide will not be tolerated, says Indian PM Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says he and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have agreed to fight terrorism and those who misuse religion to divide people. Modi spoke following a bilateral meeting in New Delhi this morning.

Trudeau's trip has been dogged by criticism

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is greeted by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi as he arrives for an official welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi, India on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says he and Justin Trudeau agreed to fight terrorism and those who misuse religion to divide people when they met in New Delhi.

Modi rolled out reams of red carpet and a horse honour guard, and hugged Trudeau upon his arrival at the presidential palace.

Their meeting comes near the end of a trip to India by Trudeau and his family that has been dogged by criticism. Critics have said the trip was mostly a Trudeau family vacation in fancy Indian clothing. As well, a convicted attempted assassian was invited by an MP to a Trudeau reception, and then the invitation was rescinded.

Trudeau has also spent much of this trip trying to dispel Indian concerns that his government is sympathetic to Sikh separatism, and Friday's meeting included discussions of the issue and putting the finishing touches on a framework to counter terrorism and violent extremism.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, greets Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau, centre, Trudeau's wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. and their sons Xavier and Hadrien and daughter Ella-Grace upon their arrival at the Indian presidential palace in New Delhi on Friday. (The Associated Press)

This was the sixth meeting between Modi and Trudeau, and there were clear signs of affection between the two, with Modi saying Trudeau's visit was long awaited and very pleasant.

Trudeau's wife and three children accompanied him for the welcome ceremony and once again, three-year-old Hadrien stole the show, putting his hat over his face during a family photo and shaking hands with everyone in the receiving line long after his family had moved forward.

With files from CBC