S Jaishankar Highlights Concerns
Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concerns over the presence of organized crime, secessionist forces, violence, and extremism in Canada. He emphasized that these issues are concerning and have political permissiveness.
Speaking at the ‘Discussion at Council on Foreign Relations’ in New York, Jaishankar stated that the Indian government has shared specific information with Canada regarding organized crime, terrorist leaders, and extradition requests.
Organized Crime and Extremism in Canada
S. Jaishankar pointed out that Canada has witnessed an increase in organized crime activities linked to secessionist forces, violence, and extremism in recent years. He highlighted that these elements are deeply intertwined in Canada’s landscape.
Jaishankar’s words were, “In the last few years, Canada actually has seen a lot of organized crime, relating to the secessionist forces, organized crime, violence, and extremism. They’re all very, very deeply mixed up. So in fact, we have been talking about specifics and information.”
Permissiveness Due to Political Reasons
The External Affairs Minister expressed concern about the permissiveness of these issues in Canada, primarily due to political reasons.
He stressed:
“Our concern is that it’s really been very permissive, because of political reasons. So we have a situation where our diplomats are threatened, our consulates have been attacked…A lot of this is often justified, as saying that’s how democracies work. If somebody gives me something specific, it doesn’t have to be restricted to Canada. But if there’s any incident which is an issue and somebody gives me something specific, as a government, I would look at it.”
S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India
Response to PM Trudeau’s Allegations
Regarding Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Jaishankar assured that India will take action if the Canadian side provides specific information.
He emphasized:
"We told the Canadians that this is not the government of India's policy. Secondly, we said if you have something specific and if you have something relevant, let us know. We are open to looking at it...The picture is not complete without the context in a way."
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Suspension of Visa Services
In response to Prime Minister Trudeau’s allegations, India suspended its visa services in Canada. This decision reflects India’s rejection of the accusations and its commitment to addressing the issue through proper channels.
Amid strained diplomatic ties, India issued an advisory to its citizens and those traveling to Canada. The advisory urges individuals to exercise “utmost caution” due to growing anti-India activities, politically condoned hate crimes, and criminal violence in the country.
Wrap Up
Addressed the UN General Assembly today.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 27, 2023
Highlights: pic.twitter.com/cMOGL8mgpe
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks shed light on the concerns India has regarding organized crime, extremism, and violence in Canada. While addressing the diplomatic row, India seeks specific and relevant evidence to investigate allegations made by the Canadian Prime Minister. The suspension of visa services and the advisory for Indian citizens demonstrate India’s commitment to addressing the issue through proper channels.
