S. Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, reaffirmed India’s position that it is prepared to examine any material or proof provided by Canada on its charges regarding the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Along with educating Ottawa on the Vienna Convention, Mr. Jaishankar discussed threats received by the Indian Embassy and Indian missions in Canada as well as violent threats against Indian diplomats.
“Right now, there is a situation where our High Commissioners, Consulates, and Embassies are under some strain. They are being targeted for violence…How are they supposed to handle visa work in such a setting?… Law and order are at stake in this, Mr. Jaishankar emphasised.
Mr. Jaishankar continued, “Under the Vienna Convention, it is the duty of every country to provide protection to its mission and those working in the embassy. This is in light of breaches of international treaties by Canada. Make sure it’s not bilateral. This is not an Indian environment.Threats, protests, and social media postings are all occurring in Canada. There should be action there from them (the Canadian government).
However, Mr. Jaishankar asserted that as long as there is something to be examined, the doors for looking at something are not closed.
His comments follow last week’s allegations by Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, that Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist, was killed by the Indian government.
The charges have been categorically denied by India, who has referred to them as “absurd” and “motivated.”
When questioned about whether the topic of Canadian claims came up during the meeting with Secretary of State Anonty Blinken and NSA Jake Sullivan, Mr. Jaishankar responded, “My understanding is that the Canadians used the word allegation…I’ve responded to it already.We’ve always said to look and if you have any information, please contact us. One thing in particular, please understand. Not because our doors are closed to investigation.
“If it’s necessary for us to look at something, we’re willing to do so. At a news conference on Friday in Washington, DC, he remarked, “But I then anticipate somewhere, some suggestion, something for me to look at.
Notably, Canada has not yet presented any proof to the public to back up the assertion that Hardeep Singh Nijjar was murdered.
Following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations that India was involved in the killing, India has banned its visa services in Canada.
In the midst of tense relations, India recently issued a warning urging its people and those visiting Canada to travel with “utmost caution in view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence” in the nation.
