In the ongoing exchange of words and tensions between India and Canada surrounding the death of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has taken a diplomatic stance.
At an event held at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York and moderated by former U.S. Ambassador to India, Kenneth Juster, Mr. Jaishankar expressed India’s position on the matter. He clarified that the Indian government had conveyed to Canada that it was not its official policy to engage in such activities.
Furthermore, Mr. Jaishankar highlighted what he described as a “very permissive” environment in Canada regarding secessionist activities. He noted that Canada had witnessed significant instances of organized crime related to secessionist forces, particularly those supporting India-related secessionist movements like Khalistan.
“We have actually been badgering the Canadians,” he stated. “We have provided them with substantial information about organized crime leadership operating out of Canada.”
India has also made multiple extradition requests to Canada in connection with these matters.
Mr. Jaishankar voiced concerns about the permissive environment in Canada, citing political reasons as a contributing factor. He mentioned instances where Indian diplomats were threatened, and Indian consulates faced attacks.
Additionally, he raised concerns about interference in India’s politics, often justified under the banner of democracy.
This recent exchange of words and diplomatic posturing between Canada and India has led to calls for downsizing missions and has escalated tensions in recent weeks.
When questioned about intelligence-sharing between Five Eyes countries regarding Nijjar’s killing and reports of the FBI warning individuals about threats to their lives, Mr. Jaishankar distanced himself from these matters, stating, “I’m not part of the Five Eyes” and “I’m certainly not part of the FBI.”
Regarding evidence related to intercepted communications that allegedly link Indian Government agents to Nijjar’s killing, Mr. Jaishankar did not confirm or deny whether he had seen such documents but expressed the Indian government’s willingness to examine specific and relevant information provided by Canada.
In the face of continued scrutiny, Mr. Jaishankar maintained that if he had received such evidence, he would certainly be reviewing it.
This ongoing diplomatic dispute underscores the complexity of international relations and the need for careful handling of sensitive matters between nations.
