Thousands Cheer India's Prime Minister Modi During Toronto Visit

With a shrinking population in most Western countries, Modi singled India’s human resources as its greatest wealth.

Near the arena, a group of about 150 protesters called for Modi’s prosecution, calling him an extremist Hindu nationalist with blood on his hands from his time as chief minister of Gujarat state.

Modi and Harper landed in Toronto Wednesday afternoon, after Modi’s ceremonial welcome in Ottawa earlier.

Their meeting has already proven historically significant. It is the first bilateral meeting in Canada of an Indian prime minister since 1973, when former PM Pierre Elliott Trudeau met with India’s then PM, Indira Gandhi.

Edgar Faleiro, an Indian Catholic, said his feelings for Modi are mixed because he has seen the country become increasingly divided along religious lines under his leadership.

“He’s done well on the economic front,” Faleiro said.

“If he can stand and protect every community, that would be great.”

Modi is beloved by many, having earned a reputation for being a self-made man who began his career not in the lap of luxury, but as a tea seller.

“He’s a very honest fellow,” added Chandrakant Patil, who is also from Modi’s home province of Gujarat.

Joyce Almeida, who make the trek to Ricoh Coliseum, protested his arrival.

“It’s not a protest so much as highlighting a concern. We Christians in India are a minority and we’re not being protected,” said Almeida, who moved here from Maharashtra, India five years ago.

With files from CP and Star staff

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