In a firm stance against the recent threats and intimidation faced by its diplomats in Canada, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urged for decisive action to be taken against the perpetrators. This assertion comes amid a brewing diplomatic tension between India and Canada following allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last year, implicating Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a claim vehemently refuted by India.
Addressing a summit organized by TV9 Network, Minister Jaishankar expressed India’s dissatisfaction with the response from the Canadian authorities, citing the repeated threats and intimidation faced by Indian diplomats in Canada. He emphasized that India was compelled to suspend the issuance of visas in Canada due to the safety concerns of its diplomatic personnel.
The diplomatic row between the two nations escalated last September, prompting India to temporarily halt the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens. Minister Jaishankar underscored the need for stern action against those responsible for attacks on Indian diplomatic missions, including the high commission in London and the consulate in San Francisco.
The minister highlighted the incidents of violence directed at Indian diplomatic premises, including the throwing of smoke bombs, as well as threats and intimidation faced by diplomats. He stressed that such actions could not be justified under the guise of freedom of speech and called for a firm stance against violence and separatism.
Minister Jaishankar also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of diplomatic missions and personnel, calling for a robust response from the host countries. He noted that failure to investigate and take action against perpetrators could send the wrong message and tarnish the reputation of the countries involved.
While acknowledging some improvement in the situation since the visa services were restored, Minister Jaishankar reiterated India’s expectation for concrete steps to address the underlying issues and ensure the safety of its diplomats abroad. He called on Canada, as well as the UK and the US, to uphold their commitments to protect diplomatic missions and personnel, and to take decisive action against those involved in violent acts.
As tensions persist between India and Canada over these diplomatic incidents, the calls for accountability and action against the perpetrators underscore the importance of upholding international norms and ensuring the safety and security of diplomatic personnel worldwide.
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