The Speaker of Canada’s Senate, Raymonde Gagne, will not attend the two-day parliamentary speakers’ summit under the G-20 starting on Friday in New Delhi, according to Bloomberg News.
Gagne’s office declined to provide further information on her absence.
Two Indian officials confirmed her non-attendance, with no reason given, while Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla, had previously stated that Gagne would participate.
It remains uncertain if Canada will be represented at the meeting, as the Speaker’s office declined to comment when contacted by Bloomberg News.
The relationship between the two countries has strained since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused the Indian government of involvement in the assassination of a prominent Sikh leader in Canada. India has denied any such involvement.
Additionally, Canada’s foreign minister, Melanie Joly, mentioned on Wednesday that discussions are ongoing regarding India’s request for Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country.
Joly emphasized the importance of keeping diplomatic conversations private.
