External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India's call for action against those responsible for the attacks on Indian diplomatic missions and the intimidation of Indian diplomats in various countries, including Canada, the UK, and the US.
Addressing a summit organised by TV9 Network, Jaishankar highlighted the need for accountability regarding the incidents targeting Indian diplomatic personnel and missions. He said that India expects action against the perpetrators of these attacks.
Last year, India experienced assaults on its diplomatic premises, including the high commission in London and the consulate in San Francisco. Pro-Khalistani elements targeted the Indian high commission in London in March, while there was an attempted arson at the Indian consulate in San Francisco in July.
"We expect the culprits in the attack in our consulate in San Francisco to be brought to book, we expect action against people who stormed into our high commission in London and we expect action against people who threatened our diplomats (in Canada)," Mr Jaishankar said.
Moreover, Indian diplomats faced threats and intimidation in Canada, leading to the temporary suspension of visa issuance to Canadian citizens. Jaishankar recalled the gravity of the situation, mentioning that diplomats' safety was compromised, necessitating action to ensure their security.
"We had to suspend issuance of visas in Canada because our diplomats were not safe going to work. Our diplomats were repeatedly threatened. They were intimidated in many ways and we got very little comfort from the Canadian system that time," Mr Jaishankar said.
"We reached a stage when as a minister, I could not risk exposing the diplomats to the kind of violence which was very clearly prevalent in Canada at that time. That part of it has been rectified. Today, our visa operations are pretty much normal," he added.
The external affairs minister highlighted concerns about the space provided to separatist and anti-India elements in Canada, expressing India's firm stance against such activities. He condemned the misuse of freedom of speech to advocate violence and separatism, and that diplomatic intimidation cannot be justified under the guise of free speech.
"Freedom of speech cannot extend to intimidating diplomats who are doing their duty. Throwing smoke bombs to embassy and consulates, advocating violence and separatism against a friendly state is not freedom of speech, this is misuse of freedom of speech," he added.
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Furthermore, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of the receiving states investigating and taking appropriate action against those involved in attacks on Indian embassies and consulates. He stressed that failure to address such incidents tarnishes the reputation of the countries involved.
While acknowledging improvements in the responses from countries like the UK, Australia, and the US, Jaishankar higlighted the need for consistent and robust measures to protect diplomatic missions and personnel worldwide.