WATCH: Justin Trudeau breaks out Bollywood dance moves on India visit
Canadian PM has faced accusations of ‘cringeworthy’ cultural appropriation

Charming or cringeworthy? Justin Trudeau’s decision to break out the bhangra moves during his state visit to India has divided commentators at home and abroad.
On the penultimate night of a visit that has been mired in controversy over his party’s alleged links to Sikh extremists, the Canadian prime minister “tried to take back the narrative” with some eye-grabbing Bollywood steps at New Delhi’s Canada House, the Huffington Post reports.
Some Indians were impressed by Trudeau's moves, which even put members of the diaspora to shame.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
But others were less impressed Trudeau’s attempts to “get down” with his hosts.
Back home, Trudeau’s performance generally inspired horror rather than pride.
Trudeau’s attempts to connect with the local culture on his Indian odyssey have already raised numerous eyebrows.
The Prime Minister’s frequents appearances in Indian-style clothing on the tour have drawn both good-humoured mockery and criticism that the Canadian leader appears more interested in “fancy dress” than statesmanship.
“It’s a little over the top, Ottawa-based economist Vivek Dehejia told Canada’s Global News. “I understand on day one having to wear the traditional clothes, but now it’s getting too much.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - February 23, 2025
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - loser's game, unexpected consequences, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 slow on the draw cartoons about Democrats' response to Trump
Cartoons Artists take on taking a stand, staying still as a statue, and more
By The Week US Published
-
A road trip through Zimbabwe
The Week Recommends The country is 'friendly and relaxed', with plenty to see for those who wish to explore
By The Week UK Published
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical
By The Week Staff Published
-
The return of history: is the West's liberal establishment crumbling?
Today's Big Question Justin Trudeau's resignation signals a wider political trend that has upended the liberal consensus
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why Assad fell so fast
The Explainer The newly liberated Syria is in an incredibly precarious position, but it's too soon to succumb to defeatist gloom
By The Week UK Published
-
Romania's election rerun
The Explainer Shock result of presidential election has been annulled following allegations of Russian interference
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Russia's shadow war in Europe
Talking Point Steering clear of open conflict, Moscow is slowly ratcheting up the pressure on Nato rivals to see what it can get away with.
By The Week UK Published
-
Cutting cables: the war being waged under the sea
In the Spotlight Two undersea cables were cut in the Baltic sea, sparking concern for the global network
By The Week UK Published
-
The nuclear threat: is Vladimir Putin bluffing?
Talking Point Kremlin's newest ballistic missile has some worried for Nato nations
By The Week UK Published
-
Russia vows retaliation for Ukrainian missile strikes
Speed Read Ukraine's forces have been using U.S.-supplied, long-range ATCMS missiles to hit Russia
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published