Trudeau's Rejection of High-Security Room at G20 Ignites Controversy; Diplomatic Turmoil Unfolds

In the midst of strained relations between India and Canada , a recent revelation about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 's stay during the G20 summit in New Delhi has caused a stir. Reports indicate that Trudeau 's security detail declined the use of the presidential suite, which set off alarm bells within India's intelligence apparatus.

Justin Trudeau's visit to India for the G20 summit has been marked by a series of events that have further strained the diplomatic ties between the two nations. The incident in question revolved around the accommodation arrangements for the Canadian Prime Minister.

According to a report in The Times of India , the presidential suite at The Lalit Hotel in central Delhi had been meticulously prepared in accordance with stringent security protocols mandated for heads of state attending the G20 summit. This suite featured advanced security measures, including bulletproof glass layered with polycarbonate plastic capable of withstanding sniper bullets, as well as other security enhancements designed to ensure the safety of dignitaries.

Surprisingly, Trudeau's delegation chose not to occupy the specially fortified presidential suite, opting instead for standard rooms. This unexpected decision sent Indian security officials into a state of high alert and initiated a series of negotiations to ensure the security protocols were adhered to.

The report detailed that Indian security personnel insisted on the importance of following established protocols to guarantee the safety of all attendees. However, Trudeau's delegation remained steadfast in their choice. Ultimately, the decision was left to the visiting dignitary and his embassy, resulting in Trudeau staying in a regular room during his visit.

This revelation comes when tensions between India and Canada were already running high. Trudeau had recently claimed a 'potential link' between Indian government agents and the murder of pro-Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. This assertion further exacerbated the strained relations between New Delhi and Ottawa, primarily related to Canada's alleged support for the pro-Khalistan movement.

In response to Trudeau's claim, Canada's foreign ministry expelled a senior Indian diplomat from the country. In retaliation, India promptly expelled a high-ranking Canadian official, with a stipulation to leave the country within five days. New Delhi also dismissed Canada's allegations regarding the Nijjar case as 'absurd and motivated.'

Meanwhile, in an intriguing turn of events, it was reported that the Canadian delegation offered to pay for the presidential suite despite opting for standard accommodations. Speculation arose that Trudeau's decision may have been influenced by security concerns within his team, given the tense relations between the two nations.

Trudeau's choice of accommodations during the G20 summit in New Delhi has added another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between India and Canada. The decision to forgo the fortified presidential suite in favour of a standard room has raised questions and underscored the palpable diplomatic tension between the two nations.