India-Canada Row: Speaking on India's ongoing suspension of visa services in Canada, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that Indian missions and diplomats there are operating in an environment where "violence is being propagated against them". Defending the measure undertaken by New Delhi against the backdrop of the diplomatic row between New Delhi and Ottawa triggered by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's unsubstantiated allegations against India regarding Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, Jaishankar further said it was unprecedented that such a state of law and order was being witnessed in a G7 country like Canada.

(Pro-Khalistan supporters stage a protest in front of the Indian consulate, in Toronto on July 9, 2023)

"Right now there is such an environment where there is a kind of pressure on our Embassies, our High Commissioners and our Consulates. Violence is being propagated against them... How can they carry out the work of visa in such an environment?... This is a matter of law and order," he stated. 

ALSO READ: 'Canada Has Very Permissive Attitude Towards Terrorists': S Jaishankar After Meeting US Diplomats

Jaishankar added, "What we have taken is a very reasonable stance... When was the last time that any of our missions was intimidated to a point where it could not continue with its normal functioning?... If someone says this could happen in a G7 country, in a Commonwealth country, it gives you a lot to think about."

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The foreign minister was speaking to the media in Washington DC on Friday (local time) when he said there was a difference in the US' and India's perception of Canada. "In India, it will not come as a surprise to anybody if you tell them that there are people in Canada who are advocating violence, separatism... All Indians notice, I suspected very few Americans notice... When Americans look at Canada, they see something, when we in India look at Canada, we see something else and that's a part of the problem."

Jaishankar added, "...so it’s very important that we talk it out with the Americans. After all, they are very close to India, they are good friends of ours...so it’s important they have our point of view on the matter as well."

ALSO READ: Antony Blinken Requested S Jaishankar To Cooperate In Canada's Probe Over Hardeep Nijjar's Killing: Report

Here Are Jaishankar's Other Top Remarks From Washington:

1. "Bringing the world together has become even more important. It is with this approach that India took up the responsibilities of the G20 presidency. Our theme: One Earth, One Family, One Future is represented so well today before us culturally," EAM Jaishankar remarked while addressing the World Cultural Festival event in Washington DC.

2. Speaking on pro-Khalistan outfits and individuals operating out of Canada, Jaishankar stated, "This has been an issue of great, friction for many years with Canada. But in the last few years, it has come back, very much into play, because of what we consider to be a very permissive Canadian attitude towards terrorists, extremist people who openly advocate violence. And they have been given operating space in Canada because of the compulsions of Canadian politics."

3. When asked if the issue of Canadian allegations was raised during the meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and NSA Jake Sullivan, Jaishankar said, "My understanding is that the word used by the Canadians is allegation...I have already answered it...We've always said that look if there is information let us know. I want to make one thing very clear. It's not that our doors are shut to looking at something."

4. Commenting on the prevailing security situation facing Indian missions in Canada, the seasoned diplomat said, "This is a matter of law and order. Under the Vienna Convention, it is the responsibility of every country to provide security to its embassy and those working in the embassy. Don't make it bilateral. This environment is not in India... Social media postings, protests and threats are happening in Canada. They (the Canadian government) should take action there."


(With inputs from ANI)


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