New Delhi – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking at a press conference in Washington DC, raised concerns over the recent spate of threats, violence, and intimidation against Indian diplomats and missions in Canada. He emphasized the need to refrain from normalizing the situation in Ottawa and questioned how other nations would react if faced with similar circumstances.
Jaishankar pointed out that the prevailing climate in Canada was marked by violence and intimidation. He highlighted distressing incidents, including the hurling of smoke bombs at the Indian mission and acts of violence near Indian consulates. Individual targets and intimidating posters further underscored the disturbing atmosphere.
“Let’s not normalise what is happening in Canada. What is happening in Canada, had it happened anywhere else, had the world taken it with equanimity…had those countries taken it so calmly? So I think it’s necessary to call out what is happening there,” Jaishankar stated.
He stressed that these unsettling incidents cannot be considered normal and urged for a thorough examination of how other nations would react under similar circumstances. Jaishankar expressed concern about the prevailing unrest and called for a critical evaluation of the situation.
Jaishankar also addressed the issue of the Sikh community, emphasizing that extremist elements represent only a small minority. He called for unbiased actions, highlighting that discussions surrounding terrorism and separatism should not be misconstrued as representative of the entire Sikh community. He urged against generalizations and underscored the importance of recognizing the diversity within the community.
Regarding the resolution of differences between India and Canada, Jaishankar acknowledged the need for dialogue. He expressed India’s willingness to investigate specific information related to Canada’s allegations. However, he cautioned against viewing incidents in isolation and emphasized the need to address the broader issue of “permissiveness.”
In a broader context, Jaishankar stressed the importance of collective collaboration in addressing global challenges. He referred to India’s G20 presidency theme, “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” and highlighted the necessity of uniting nations to effectively tackle issues such as climate change, economic progress, and societal well-being.
The recent developments in India-Canada relations have raised concerns regarding violence, intimidation, and threats against Indian diplomats and missions. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s perspective underscores the importance of not normalizing such situations, recognizing the diversity within communities, and fostering global collaboration to address pressing challenges. It remains essential for both nations to engage in constructive dialogue and work toward resolving their differences while upholding the principles of diplomacy and mutual respect.
