The Canadian Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, clandestinely convened with India’s Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, in Washington recently. This meeting transpired amidst the ongoing diplomatic standoff between the two nations, arising from Canada’s allegation of India’s involvement in the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, as reported by the reputable British newspaper, Financial Times. These revelations were made by sources familiar with the matter.
It is noteworthy that neither the Canadian nor the Indian foreign ministries have officially confirmed this secret meeting.
The report also underscores Canada’s concerted efforts to alleviate the strained diplomatic relations with New Delhi, especially in light of the earlier reports suggesting that Canadian diplomats were confronted with the prospect of departing India or forfeiting their diplomatic immunity.
Earlier this month, the Canadian Foreign Minister had expressed her commitment to resolving the matter privately, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic dialogues remaining confidential. She stated, “We are in contact with the government of India. We take Canadian diplomats’ safety very seriously, and we will continue to engage privately because we think diplomatic conversations are best when they remain private.” These remarks followed New Delhi’s directive to reduce its diplomatic personnel in India.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also voiced his country’s intention to prevent any further escalation of tensions with India. He affirmed Canada’s commitment to engage responsibly and constructively with New Delhi.
A recent report from Canada’s CTV News revealed that around 30 diplomatic staff members swere relocated from India to Malaysia or Singapore.
The diplomatic relations between India and Canada deteriorated significantly after Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau alleged potential involvement of Indian agents in the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in eBritish Columbia on September 19. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was fatally shot by two masked gunmen on June 18.
In response to these allegations, India vehemently refuted the charges, categorizing them as absurd and driven by ulterior motives. As a tit-for-tat response to Canada’s expulsion of an Indian official, New Delhi expelled a senior Canadian diplomat. Notably, India requested Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic staff in India to achieve parity, citing Canada’s higher diplomatic presence in the country.
