Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday sought to shed his government’s image of being soft on ‘Khalistan’ supporters as India and Canada came out with a framework for cooperation to counter the threats posed by global Islamic and Sikh terrorist outfits.

The two countries committed to work together to neutralise the threats emanating from terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda ISIS, Haqqani Network, LeT, JeM, Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation, the framework document said.

This came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a veiled reference to Canada virtually turning a blind eye towards the activities of anti-India Sikh elements operating from its soil, told Trudeau that their two nations must not tolerate those who promote separatism.

The two countries recognised the urgent imperative to disrupt recruitment, terrorist movements and the flow of foreign terrorist fighters, address the threat posed by cross-border and state-sponsored terrorism, stop sources of terrorist financing, dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent supply of arms to terrorists and counter violent extremism and radicalisation to violence. They emphasised the need to deny operating space to terrorist and violent extremist groups, the framework document said.

This was in addition to the joint statement issued after the talks between the two leaders. The two countries also signed six agreements, including one on enhancing energy cooperation.

The joint statement said the two leaders called for bringing terrorists to justice and holding accountable state sponsors of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. They further emphasised that no country should allow its territory to be used for terrorist and violent extremist activities.

In his statement to the media after the talks with Trudeau lasting nearly two hours, Modi said the those who challenge sovereignty, unity and integrity of the two nations would not be tolerated at any cost.

Trudeau said he had discussed a broad range of bilateral issues as well as international developments, including the situation in Afghanistan. He said Canada was committing to strengthening ties with India in different areas.

Earlier this morning, Modi received Trudeau with a bear hug at his ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, in a clear attempt to put to rest the speculation that New Delhi was cold-shouldering the Canadian leader for not addressing its concerns over the activities of ‘Khalistan’ elements.

The talks between the two leaders came a day after their two countries decided to put a lid on the controversy over the invitation extended to ‘Khalistan’ terrorist Jaspal Atwal by the Canadian High Commission for a dinner reception it hosted for Trudeau on Thursday night. The invitation was withdrawn after the mission realised its ‘faux pas’.

 The joint statement said the two countries agreed to expand civil nuclear cooperation and double the effort to finalise the bilateral investment and promotion agreement and the comprehensive economic partnership agreement.