"Working collaboratively to tackle global crises while holding Russia accountable is essential to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the G20," a news release from Trudeau's office said.

In the G20 events under India's Presidency, Russia and Ukraine have not been discussed, at least not prominently enough. As per reports, Canada wanted India to invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but that is not on the cards. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin called up Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and apprised him of his plans not to attend the G20 summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also not coming, and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang will represent him at the crucial meeting. Given the Canadian Prime Minister's consistency in taking on both Putin and Jinping on international topics, his presence at the G20 meeting is especially significant.

The last time Trudeau came to India was in February 2018. The event is still fresh in the minds of many Indians who were stunned at the cuteness of family photographs in colourful traditional dresses. Wife Sophie Trudeau and kids Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien posed for beautiful photographs outside famous Indian monuments. But the trip was mired in controversies. First, Trudeau was received by Minister of State for Agriculture Gajendra Shekhawat. "Apparently you people don't get this... this is a very big deal," he told journalists and politicians in Canada in a light-hearted manner, which evoked a big round of applause. Then, a dinner hosted by the Canadian mission in Mumbai figured a wanted Khalistani terrorist on the guest list. A big diplomatic upheaval! Trudeau called his India trip an "Ultimate Expedition" and wondered if another India trip might ever come.

When Trudeau comes to India this time, he will not have his wife and kids with him. The Trudeau couple got separated precisely a month ago. While Prime Minister Trudeau will stay at his official residence, Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Sophie has moved to another house in the same city. The decision to separate was taken after considerable discussions, and both the parents agreed to raise the children in a loving and collaborative environment. Sophie will keep visiting the kids at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, especially when the Prime Minister is away on official engagements.

Indian people who accord high premiums on family life would surely miss the absence of Sophie and the kids and how beautifully they dressed and went around city after city, getting clicked in tight family photos.

The reason for the separation is believed to be the high-pressure professional life of Justine Trudeau. As per reports, Sophie wanted him not to contest the next national elections in 2025, while Trudeau, who comes from a prominent political family, with his father, Pierre Trudeau, serving as the Prime Minister for 15 years, apparently has differing views. Rumours have it that Justine Trudeau's intimacy with one of his cabinet colleagues has also played a role in the separation.

After the separation, Trudeau shared a photo of cycling with the kids to the school. The road was well-paved, empty, and flanked by tall trees. Serenity at its best!

As a political leader, Trudeau has been a liberal who would plan minutely at the micro level and announce welfare initiatives for the marginalized and working class. His stance on civil and democratic rights has been unequivocal. He brings to the job the confidence of being the son of a former Prime Minister who was immensely loved and admired for his pro-people policies. He is someone who doesn't get dazzled by the presence of Xi or Putin in the room! (IPA Service)