NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Saturday addressed the ongoing tensions between India and Canada, particularly in light of the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
While addressing a recent interaction with senior journalists, Jaishankar attributed the current situation to Canada’s internal politics, stating that it has nothing to do with India.
The minister highlighted India’s enhanced global image, with various country heads praising both the nation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, he noted that Canada remains an exception due to the influence of pro-Khalistan individuals who have become a significant vote bank in the country.
“India’s image globally is now actually much much higher than it had been ever… Canada is an exception. You see the different country heads are praising Bharat and its Prime Minister,” the external affairs minister said.
Jaishankar emphasized that India has repeatedly urged Canada not to provide visas, legitimacy, or political space to such individuals, as it causes problems for both countries and their relationship.
“We have convinced them several times not to give visa, legitimacy or political space to such people which is causing problems for them (Canada), for us and also for our relationship,” Jaishankar said.
Despite India’s efforts to seek the extradition of 25 people, mostly pro-Khalistan, the Canadian government has not taken any action, he said.
Relations between India and Canada deteriorated significantly after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged last September of potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar. India has dismissed Trudeau’s charges as “absurd” and “motivated.”
Jaishankar stated, “Canada did not give any proof. They do not share any evidence with us in certain cases, police agencies also do not cooperate with us. It is their political compulsion in Canada to blame India. As election is coming in Canada, they indulge in vote bank politics.”
The external affairs minister also touched upon India’s relationships with China and Pakistan, asserting that the Modi government has taken a firm stance against any threats of terrorism or cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. Regarding the border dispute with China, Jaishankar said that India has strongly countered the pressure exerted by the deployment of Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).