New Delhi, Feb 23 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that both he and his visiting Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau "agreed to fight extremism and terrorism" and in a veiled reference to the Khalistani militancy, maintained that there should be "no space" for those, who misuse religion for political motives and promote separatism.
"Sampraday ka Rajnitik udeshya ke liye durupyog karne walon aur batwarey ki khai khodne ke liye koi jagah nahi honi chahiye (There should be no space for those, who misuse religion for political motives and promote separatism)," the Prime Minister told a joint press conference with Mr Trudeau, after over two-hour-long delegation level talks with his Canadian counterpart.
The remarks are significant as Mr Trudeau's visit has been marred by controversies over the grant of a Visa to former Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal.
The dinner invitation to Atwal at a reception on Thursday evening for Mr Trudeau by Canadian authorities in New Delhi was also cancelled.
On Tuesday, Atwal had attended an event in Mumbai and his photograph with Mr Trudeau's wife Sophie Trudeau and a Canadian minister sparked the row.
The Prime Minister said, "We both (Modi and Trudeau) agree to fight extremism and terrorism".
Both the National Security Advisers (NSAs) have met in the past and have also given final shape to the Framework for Cooperation on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism, Mr Modi said.
"Terrorism and extremism pose threats to democratic countries like India and Canada. To meet these challenges, it is important for both the countries to come together," Mr Modi said.
Atwal, who was a member of the now-banned International Sikh Youth Federation, was sentenced to prison for trying to kill a Punjab minister in 1986.
Mr Modi appreciated the fact that Trudeau has visited various parts of India in the last few days, and said he must have "experienced" the diversity of the country.
The two countries signed six MoUs covering areas such as technology, energy and education.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had a warm meeting with Trudeau and discussed ways to strengthen and deepen the partnership between the two countries, MEA Spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.
Canadian Prime Minister described India "as a natural partner", especially for commercial cooperation and laid emphasis on people-to-people contacts.
"India is a natural partner and a trusted friend for commercial cooperation," he said at the joint press conference with Mr Modi.
He said as governments, the leadership in both the countries "have responsibility" to set right the parameters for economic relationship to help everyone.
Canada is home to more than 1.3 million people from Indian descents and emphasised on the need for people-to-people contacts, the Canadian Prime Minister said.
UNI DEVN RJ 1826