In a diplomatic exchange during the 14th India-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, regarding India’s diplomatic disagreement with Canada. Jaishankar emphasized the issue of extremism and radicalism in Canada, highlighting India’s perspective on the matter.
The diplomatic tension between India and Canada escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of violating the Vienna Convention. The dispute revolves around the revocation of diplomatic immunity for 40 Canadian diplomats in India. India’s request for parity in rank and strength between the two countries’ diplomatic missions further strained relations. Talks on a free trade agreement stalled, diplomats were expelled, and India urged Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence.
While Wong did not provide a detailed comment on the India-Canada spat, Australia, part of the Five Eyes intelligence grouping, has refrained from publicly supporting Canada on these allegations. Australia’s intelligence chief, however, stated in a later interview that he had no reason to dispute Canada’s claims.
In a separate meeting, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles discussed advancing cooperation in hydrography, air-to-air refueling, artificial intelligence, anti-submarine and anti-drone warfare, and cyber technologies. Both ministers explored collaboration in shipbuilding and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). The discussions highlighted the deepening bilateral defense relationship between the two nations since the signing of the Mutual Logistics and Supply Agreement in 2020.
The need to protect a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region was a shared theme during the talks, with a focus on addressing concerns related to China.
Stay tuned for further updates on diplomatic developments.
