New Delhi: In a riveting flip of occasions, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), S Jaishankar, has demanded proof from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has accused India of taking part within the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Jaishankar, in a dialog with journalist Lionel Barber, underscored the need for credible proof to substantiate such critical allegations.
When questioned about any proof of India’s involvement within the incident, Jaishankar firmly responded, “None.” He additionally disclosed that he has been in talks along with his Canadian counterpart, Melanie Joly, urging the Canadian authorities to supply any proof they may possess. He reiterated India’s readiness to contemplate an investigation, however harassed that no proof has been introduced thus far.
Jaishankar additionally addressed the bigger subject of violent and excessive political beliefs advocating separatism from India, which have discovered a spot in Canadian politics. He expressed concern over the lodging of such views, which have led to assaults on Indian diplomats, together with the High Commission, and intimidation of consul generals and different diplomats.
In the midst of a diplomatic spat between India and Canada over the loss of life of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, was barred by radicals from coming into a gurdwara in Glasgow in October this yr.
Jaishankar additional emphasised the significance of exercising duty within the context of freedom of speech and expression in Canada. He acknowledged, “But freedom of speech and freedom of expression also comes with a certain responsibility. And the misuse of those freedoms and the toleration of that misuse for political purposes would be, to our mind, very wrong.”
Earlier this month, Trudeau reiterated his accusation of Indian involvement within the killing of Sikh separatist chief Nijjar on Canadian soil. He alleged that New Delhi had violated the Vienna Convention by “kicking out” 40 diplomats at a time when his nation was reaching out to India and different international companions to research the homicide.
However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded by stating that no worldwide norms had been violated in India, looking for parity within the mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa.
