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Jaishankar said that it is clear that India will take a tough position, which is taken when the country’s interests, integrity and sovereignty are affected.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. (PTI file photo)
India initially raised the presence of organized crime in Canada but the issue was ignored due to a long-standing enabling situation, EAM S Jaishankar said on Saturday, rejecting the direction of the High Commissioner and diplomats by the Trudeau government.
Speaking at an event in Pune on the topic ‘Opportunities arising in the current global climate’, the politician-turned-politician said that it is clear that India will take a tough stance, taken when the country’s interests, integrity and sovereignty are affected.
“We completely reject the way the Canadian government is treating our High Commissioner and diplomats,” Jaishankar said in response to a question.
Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma was declared a “person of interest” by Canada on October 13 in its investigation into the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen declared a Khalistani terrorist by India.
Before Canada could take further action, New Delhi recalled Verma and five other diplomats, also named similarly.
In response, India also expelled six Canadian diplomats. The conflict escalated when Ottawa hinted at possible sanctions against India that dismissed allegations including those leveled by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Canadian authorities have also accused Indian agents of involvement in “murders, extortion and acts of violence against Khalistan followers” and have tried to link the Bishnoi gang to unspecified criminal activities on Canadian soil.
“The issue is that there are a few people out there but they have made a name for themselves that is heard as a big voice in politics.
“Unfortunately, the politics of that country gives that political campaign, perhaps the level of play I would argue is not just bad for us and our relationship. I would argue that it is bad for Canada itself,” Jaishankar said.
He said that India had first suggested the presence of organized crime in Canada.
“We were telling them but they didn’t listen. It happened because of the spirit of long-term indulgence.
“I think this is an issue that affects a certain political class or group of political forces. We can certainly hope that it is more rational, more rational, and more responsible,” Jaishankar added.
Speaking about the ongoing Ukraine-Russia War, he said it has been three years now.
“How many countries in the world have the ability to visit Moscow and meet Vladimir Putin and to visit Ukraine to meet (President Volodymyr) Zelenskyy? The world thinks that India has this ability. India stood up and spoke on this issue,” said the Foreign Minister.
He also said that the countries with the best resources will be the most powerful in the future.
It was during India’s tenure of the G20 that the African Union was admitted as a member of the G20.
(This story was not edited by News18 staff and was published by the syndicated news agency – PTI)
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