External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the potential for diplomatic avenues to address the ongoing diplomatic discord between India and Canada. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, he acknowledged the strained relations that have persisted, stemming from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations regarding the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the assassination of a Khalistani terrorist.
Jaishankar revealed that communication channels remained open between both nations, fostering optimism that a resolution to the dispute could be reached. He underscored the importance of recognizing that "sovereignty and sensitivity" should be mutually respected and not unilaterally imposed.
"I firmly believe that diplomacy offers a viable solution in this situation. I'm aware that my counterpart in Canada shares a similar perspective, and we have engaged in ongoing discussions," he remarked.
"I sincerely hope that a mutually agreeable path can be charted forward... Sovereignty and sensitivity—these principles should be upheld bilaterally. While our counterparts may harbor their concerns, I have consistently maintained that I am willing to engage in dialogue to address their legitimate grievances," he continued.
"However, it's imperative that these conversations do not disregard or dismiss my concerns and sensitivities," he emphasized.
The tumultuous state of relations between India and Canada was precipitated by Trudeau's allegations made in September regarding the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in the Canadian town of Surrey in June. In response, India temporarily halted the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and requested a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence in India to ensure parity. Canada subsequently withdrew 41 diplomats and their accompanying family members from India.
Jaishankar elucidated India's overarching stance, which he believed could be applicable to Canada as well.
"Many countries, including India, uphold freedom of speech and expression. Nevertheless, such freedom should not be exploited as a license to promote violence, intimidation, or the propagation of separatism, extremism, and related concerns," he pointed out.
"We've grappled with the issue of activities that have been justified under the guise of freedom," he added.
He then laid out a straightforward litmus test for countries worldwide, questioning whether they would condone similar actions when directed at them. Frequently, Jaishankar noted, he received no clear response to this query.
The External Affairs Minister underscored the ongoing communication between both sides and lamented the specific trajectory events had taken in Canada in this instance.
