'Doesn't make sense': Business leaders say halted trade talks harm India and Canada
BNN Bloomberg
Business leaders continue to grapple with the economic uncertainty fostered by the rift between the Canadian and Indian governments, saying the suspension of free trade talks hurts both sides.
The heads of several commercial groups say the souring relationship marks a major hurdle to boosting bilateral trade beyond last year's $20.9 billion in goods and services and deters Indian students from studying in Canada.
Relations between the two countries eroded after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Parliament on Sept. 18 that New Delhi may have been involved in the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh independence activist.
In response, the Indian government suspended visa services for Canadian citizens — partially restored last month — and revoked diplomatic immunity from Canadian diplomats, prompting two-thirds of them to leave the country.
