New Delhi [India], June 16 (ANI): Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri lashed out at the pro-Khalistan protestors holding demonstrations ahead of the G7 summit in Canada. Puri termed them as 'kiraye ke tatto' (protestors for hire) and said that they should not be taken 'seriously'.

'Leave that aside, another video is going viral tomorrow. They (pro Khalistani supporters) staged a dharna from the neighbouring country (Pakistan) where they get funding, but when they did not get the funding, they turned on them. Yeh jo kiraye ke tatto hain, don't take them seriously', Hardeep Singh Puri said while speaking to the reporters on Monday.

Following his visit to Cyprus, the Prime Minister will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, to attend the G7 Summit on June 16-17 following his visit to Cyprus. He has been invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. This will be PM Modi's sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.

'From Cyprus, I will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, to attend the G7 Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister HE Mark Carney. The Summit will provide space for the exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South. I also look forward to engaging with leaders from partner countries', PM Modi said in his statement.

On June 18, PM Modi will visit Croatia, where he will meet President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. This will be the first-ever visit to Croatia by an Indian Prime Minister.

'On 18 June, I look forward to my visit to the Republic of Croatia and meetings with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links. As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest,' the PM's departure statement added.

The Prime Minister also said the tour is an opportunity to thank India's international partners for their continued support in the fight against terrorism.

'This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,' PM Modi, in his statement, added. (ANI)