External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized the need for India and Canada to engage in dialogue to address their disagreements concerning the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Minister, while interacting with the media on Friday, underscored the importance of addressing the broader issue of “permissiveness”.
While interacting with the media on Friday, Jaishankar expressed India’s willingness to investigate the information related to Canada’s allegations of Indian agents’ “potential” involvement in Nijjar’s killing on June 18 in British Columbia. India has clarified that these actions do not reflect the official policy of the Indian government and is willing to examine specifics provided by Canada.
Avoiding Isolation of Incidents
Jaishankar addressed the matter and said that the situation involves allegations made by the Canadian authorities. He said that India conveyed to them that these allegations do not align with the official stance of the Indian government. However, the country is willing to review any specific and pertinent information they may provide. Jaishankar highlighted the significance of not treating such incidents in isolation, emphasizing that a broader context exists.
Canada’s linenancy to terrorism, extremism, and separatist movements
Jaishankar noted that India has encountered persistent issues with Canada and its government over the past few years. These issues primarily revolve around what can be described as Canada’s leniency when it comes to matters related to terrorism, extremism, and separatist movements. He pointed out that this leniency is evident in their failure to respond to crucial extradition requests. Moreover, there are individuals and organizations openly linked to violent and illegal activities in India who operate from within Canada. This situation, Jaishankar emphasized, is not hidden, as these entities continue their activities on Canadian soil.
The minister underscored the interconnection of various issues, emphasizing the need for discussions between concerned governments to address individual incidents. He emphasizes the larger issue of permissiveness.
Diplomatic Strains and Intimidation
Jaishankar also discussed the challenges faced by India’s diplomatic missions and personnel in Canada, citing consistent intimidation that has made it unsafe for them to carry out their work. The suspension of visa operations was necessitated due to these difficulties.
Jaishankar emphasized that the current climate in Canada involves violence and intimidation directed at Indian missions and diplomats. He questioned whether such actions would be considered normal in any other context and called for international attention to the situation.
The minister also asserted that threats and intimidation under the guise of freedom of speech are unacceptable.
Where does the US stand?
Jaishankar mentioned discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan regarding the diplomatic row between India and Canada. Blinken expresses hope for a resolution and accountability for those responsible.
He also discussed the importance of engaging with the United States to provide an accurate perspective on the situation, highlighting the different viewpoints between India and the US regarding Canada’s stance on certain issues. He encouraged a more comprehensive discussion that encompasses not only individual incidents but also the larger, long-standing issue of permissiveness towards extremism and separatism.
For those unaware, the tensions between India and Canada escalated following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau‘s allegations of Indian agents’ “potential” involvement in Nijjar’s killing on Canadian soil. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020, categorically rejecting the allegations.
(With PTI Inputs)