No matter how hard the opposition tries to malign Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government in the centre, the poignant accolades for him from the world leaders have kept coming at a steady pace. The latest addition to the long list of admirers of PM Modi and his policies is Canada’s former Prime Minister- Stephen Harper.
Stephen Harper is in India to attend Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. He also met PM Modi and exchanged views about India-Canada relations, main global trends and cooperation among democracies.
Former PM of Canada, Mr. @stephenharper met Prime Minister @narendramodi.
The two leaders exchanged views on developments in India-Canada relations, main global trends and cooperation among democracies. pic.twitter.com/E9be3actt6
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 8, 2019
Stephen Harper also gifted PM Modi a copy of his new book- “Right Here, Right Now”. Later on, he took to Twitter to admire PM Modi’s remarkable leadership. He said, “The most significant leader of India since Independence.” Stephen Harper further added, “Narendra Modi is shaping every conversation on geopolitics & the global economy. For India to realize its potential, it needs the courageous & visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi.” He felt proud to stand with PM Modi.
The most significant leader of India since Independence, my friend @narendramodi is shaping every conversation on geopolitics & the global economy. For India to realize its potential, it needs the courageous & visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Proud to stand with him. https://t.co/2fTOKX4uAS
— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) January 8, 2019
This warm visit has come 10 months after a disastrous India visit of the incumbent Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. He only received criticism and mockery for his absurd acts in the public. He was busier in getting clicked in Indian attires, doing the Bhangra, inviting Sikh extremists to a Canadian diplomatic event rather than spending time in strengthening India-Canada ties. The incumbent Canadian PM appeared undignified in his approach. On the other hand, Harper, the former Canadian PM made a more thoughtful and dignified representation of Canada. He appears more decisive and upfront in his approach than the incumbent PM.
Justin Trudeau, on the other hand, is no less than a clown, and that might be the reason behind Stephen Harper getting much better hospitality than the Canada PM. Harper also met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
From Opposition Leader to External Affairs Minister, I have long admired @SushmaSwaraj. She is a true champion for India on the world stage, and a real asset of @NarendraModi’s cabinet. #RaisinaDialogue @orfonline #Raisina2019 pic.twitter.com/c5h2ruLr56
— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) January 8, 2019
Stephen Harper shares good relations with PM Modi. It was during his tenure that PM Modi visited Canada in 2015. PM Modi became the first sitting Indian PM to visit Canada in 42 years, marking an end to decades of cold Indo-Canadian relations.
A ceremonial reception was given to Prime Minister Modi. The PM of Canada himself received PM Modi warmly.
PM @narendramodi and @pmharper at the ceremonial reception. pic.twitter.com/jA5NM6nVQt
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 15, 2015
PM Modi also presented the then Canadian PM a traditional Indian miniature painting which depicted Guru Nanak Dev with his disciples Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana.
Presented @pmharper a traditional Indian miniature painting showing Guru Nanak Dev with his disciples Bhai Bala & Bhai Mardana.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 15, 2015
So many of our Punjabi brothers & sisters have made Canada their home and enriched it with their renowned vigour & entrepreneurial drive.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 15, 2015
Harper had also paid tribute to the tremendous contributions made by the Indian community to Canada’s social, cultural and economic landscape. He had said, “With its expanding population and impressive economic growth, India represents tremendous opportunities for Canadian companies.” He had further said, “These initiatives will help to further strengthen our relations. Canada and India enjoy a special friendship, underpinned by a vibrant Indo-Canadian community, which continues to make tremendous contributions to our nation’s cultural and economic fabric.”
PM Modi and Stephen Harper have great mutual understanding in a wide range of areas and have respect for each other’s national interests. Stephen as Canadian PM would have been much better for India-Canada relationship than Justin Trudeau.
