In replying to a question regarding Canada subsequent to their meeting in the nation’s capital, he stated that they deliberated on the diplomatic dispute. He stated that he conveyed India’s perspective regarding the tolerance of radicalism and extremism in Canada.

“From our point of view, the key issue is really the space which is being given to extremism and radicalism in Canada,” according to him.

Given Australia’s amicable relations with both India and China, he stated that “Australia must understand our position on the matter.”

Additionally, the regional partnership Quad, which Japan, India, the United States, and Australia formed to counter China’s increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, was discussed by the two leaders.

“During our discussion today, Quad was at length discussed…We are engaged in the resolution of a wide array of concerns,” he explained.

In addition to commerce and investments, the meeting encompasses discussions on intelligence sharing pertaining to military and shipping operations.

Bloomberg reports that India and Australia have reached a mutual agreement to map the sea floor of the Indian Ocean, a region vital for submarine operations, and to establish formal protocols for air-to-air refueling.

Since September, when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of complicity in the assassination of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, relations between India and Canada have been tense.

New Delhi, in its denial of the “baseless” allegation, has requested Canada to provide evidence.

Australia and India supported a two-state resolution to the Israel-Palestine dispute.

In the interim, S. Jaishankar stated at a virtual meeting of BRICS leaders that the Palestinians’ concerns must be taken seriously.

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“In Gaza, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is a source of immense human suffering.” Humanitarian assistance is currently required to reach the population of Gaza immediately. Additionally, it is critical that every single captive be liberated. PM Modi has engaged in discussions with numerous leaders both regionally and globally regarding this matter. He has emphasized the necessity of resuming authentic and direct peace negotiations and establishing the conditions for peace. We hold the view that giving due consideration to the concerns of Palestinians is essential. “This is only possible through a two-state solution,” he continued.

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“The two of you are now going through a rocky patch in your relationship. However, I feel it’s important to point out that the issues we face are due to a specific faction in Canadian politics and the policies that stem from that faction. The issue of visas is currently the primary source of anxiety for many people. Because it was no longer safe for our ambassadors to travel to work to issue visas, we stopped providing visas in Canada a few weeks ago. This decision was made because of the situation in Venezuela. According to ANI’s report, the minister was cited as adding that the fundamental reason we were forced to temporarily halt the issuance of visas was to ensure their safety and security.

“We are keeping a really close eye on it. My hope and expectation is that things will get better to the point where our people will have a higher level of confidence in their ability to carry out the fundamental responsibilities that come with being ambassadors. Since preserving the safety and security of diplomats is the most fundamental part of the Vienna Convention, he continued, “because of this.”

As a result of the escalating tensions between Canada and India, visa services for Canadian citizens had been suspended in September and will remain suspended indefinitely.

“And right now that is what has been called into question in many different ways in Canada, and that is the notion that our people and our diplomats are not safe. Therefore, if we are able to make progress in that area, I would very much like to renew the discussion regarding visas. In addition, Jaishankar stated, “My expectation is that it will be something that will take place quite soon.”

Earlier, the minister had also provided an explanation as to why India was had to take a harsh position in order to gain diplomatic parity with the nation of North America. It was necessary for Canada to remove 41 of its diplomats in time to meet the deadline that was set by India; else, the diplomats might have been stripped of their diplomatic immunity.

ALSO READ : India rebuts Canada on 41 diplomats leaving ‘in conformity with Vienna Convention’

According to Jaishankar, India had no choice but to invoke diplomatic parity because of “continuous interference” in the country’s internal affairs on the part of Canadian soldiers. The Prime Minister of Canada has expressed his displeasure with India’s harsh approach, claiming that it is in violation of the Geneva Convention.

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After a decision was made to “unilaterally remove” Canadian diplomats’ diplomatic privileges, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly of Canada announced on Thursday that 41 Canadian diplomats and their 42 families had been evacuated from the country of India.

After the diplomatic row that was caused by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusation that Indian government agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Indian side had sought parity in diplomatic presence by withdrawing 41 of the 62 Canadian diplomats who were stationed in the country. As a result of the diplomatic row, Canada withdrew 41 of its diplomats.

In response to Joly’s argument that India’s action amounted to a violation of the Vienna Convention and international norms, the ministry of external affairs issued a statement in which it said the following: “The state of our bilateral relations, the much higher number of Canadian diplomats in India, and their continued interference in our internal affairs warrant a parity in mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated, “We reject any attempt to portray the implementation of parity as a violation of international norms.”

Over the course of the past month, the Canadian and Indian governments have been in discussion over the matter of diplomatic parity in order to work out the particulars and mechanisms of its implementation.

According to the statement, India’s efforts in achieving the parity are completely compliant with Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. This information may be found in the document.

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This section states that “in the absence of specific agreement as to the size of the mission, the receiving State may require that the size of a mission be kept within limits considered by it to be reasonable and normal, having regard to circumstances and conditions in the receiving State and to the needs of the particular mission.” In other words, “in the absence of a specific agreement as to the size of the mission.”

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“Because we live in a nation based on the rule of law, it is our responsibility to watch over the legal proceedings and make sure they are carried out in a fair and impartial way. This is exactly what we are doing.” At the same time, we are taking measures to maintain the safety of Canadians and we are maintaining our support for the international order based on norms. This is something that we are doing, and it is something that we are doing together with our partners,” Trudeau stated.

“We are standing up for the order that is governed by regulations. We are taking a stance in support of the legal system. “We are highlighting how unacceptable it would be for any country to be involved in the killing of a citizen on their own home soil,” Trudeau said. “We are highlighting how unacceptable it would be for any country to be involved in any killing.”

Trudeau says Canada does not want to provoke India because….

“India is a country of growing importance and one that we must continue to work with not only in the region, but around the world. We are not looking to provoke or cause problems, but we are adamant about the importance of the rule of law, protecting Canadians, and upholding values. Trudeau stated, “We therefore call on the government of India to collaborate with us to establish procedures that will allow justice and accountability to be served.”

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Had a direct and frank conversation with PM Modi: Trudeau

“…in a direct and frank conversation with Prime Minister Modi, I expressed my concerns without equivocation…” Trudeau declared. In response to a question about whether Canada will take retaliatory action, Trudeau stated, “We call on the government of India to take this matter seriously and to work with us to ensure complete transparency, accountability, and justice in this matter. We are a nation governed by the rule of law. We will continue to do the necessary work to ensure the safety of Canadians and uphold our values and the international rules-based order. This is our current focus.”

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India has already dismissed as “absurd and motivated” Trudeau’s claim of a “potential link” between Indian government agents and the assassination of Nijjar in June. The allegation had a devastating effect on bilateral relations, which were already at an all-time low, and both countries responded by expelling senior diplomats.

In an advisory aimed at Indian nationals and students in Canada as well as those intending to travel to the country, the external affairs ministry stated that members of the Indian community who “oppose the anti-India agenda” face threats.

The advisory reflected the tense state of the bilateral relationship, which has deteriorated over the past few years due to Canada’s perceived indifference to India’s demands for action against pro-Khalistan elements operating on Canadian soil.

“In light of increasing anti-India activities, politically sanctioned hate crimes, and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals in Canada and those considering travel are urged to exercise extreme caution,” the advisory stated.

Recent threats have targeted Indian diplomats and members of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda, the report stated. The advisory cautioned Indian nationals to “avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents”.

According to those with knowledge of the situation, the advisory’s reference to “politically sanctioned hate crimes” indicates the Canadian government’s reluctance to strike down on the activities of groups and individuals advocating for Khalistan or an independent Sikh homeland.

On condition of anonymity, one of the aforementioned individuals stated, “These actions appear to be politically sanctioned by those in power in Canada.”

The Indian side has carefully observed the escalation of pro-Khalistan activities, which have included the targeting of Indian diplomats and diplomatic facilities, rallies with secessionist banners and posters, and the purported conduct of a Khalistan referendum in multiple cities.

In addition, the advisory stated that the Indian high commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver will remain in contact with Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Indian community.

“Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant,” the document stated.

According to the website of the Indian high commission in Ottawa, there are 230,000 Indian students and 700,000 non-resident Indians in Canada.

The advisory stated that Indian nationals and students in Canada “must also register” with the high commission or consulates via their websites or the MADAD portal (madad.gov.in). Registration would allow the missions to communicate with Indian citizens “in the event of any emergency or unforeseen event.”

In the meantime, Trudeau stated that Canada wants to “work with the Indian government to clarify everything and ensure proper cooperation”

Some of Canada’s allies in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance – which includes Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand – have voiced concern over Trudeau’s accusations and stated that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

Australian foreign minister Penny Wong stated on Wednesday that the issue had been brought up with Indian counterparts, while US ambassador Eric Garcetti called for the Canadian investigation to be allowed to proceed “before anyone rushes to judgment.” However, Garcetti also stated that Washington would take action against those responsible for attacks on Indian diplomats or diplomatic facilities in the United States.

Garcetti acknowledged that nations have varying interpretations of free speech, but stated that the United States considers the protection of diplomatic personnel “extremely seriously.” Referring to an act of arson committed by pro-Khalistan activists at the Indian consulate in San Francisco, he stated, “We’re working on this, on the protection of Indian diplomats and taking investigations of incidents like the one we witnessed in San Francisco very seriously.”

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He added, “Threats are threats, and it’s not just free speech when someone threatens.”

Garcetti added that it was premature to discuss a US role in the diplomatic dispute between India and Canada. The United States’ relationship with India is expanding, while its relationship with Canada is longstanding. “I believe it is critical for us to return to two or three principles – one, sovereignty and non-interference, two, allowing criminal justice investigations to take their course, and third [for] there to be accountability for that. “I believe it is too early to determine the exact outcome,” he said.

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Monday night, local time, the G7 foreign ministers convened in New York on the sidelines of the high-level UN General Assembly week. In a statement issued by Japan’s foreign minister, Kamikawa Yoko, on Tuesday, the grouping reaffirmed its strong and critical stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine, outlined its policy on competition and cooperation with China, and outlined actions to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. However, it contained no negative references to India.

India has been working in secret with its other G7 and non-G7 partners to convey its perspective on Canada’s allegations. India has extremely close and cordial bilateral relations with the United States, Japan, and France, and its relations with Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have strengthened in recent years.

Due to Canada’s status as an ally and close neighbor, the United States, which leads the G7 bloc, has adopted a measured and calibrated stance on the issue. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, stated that Washington DC supports Canada’s “efforts to investigate” what he deemed “these serious allegations.” He also stated that President Joe Biden is aware of these allegations, called for a “thorough and transparent investigation,” and urged India to cooperate.

In response to a Washington Post article that appeared to imply that the administration had been reluctant to pursue Canada’s allegations, NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson tweeted, “Reports that we rebuffed Canada in any way on this matter are categorically false. On this issue, we are coordinating and consulting closely with Canada. This is a significant matter and we support Canada’s ongoing law enforcement efforts. We are negotiating with the Indian government as well.”

Administration officials have characterized the relationship between the US and India as the most significant of the 21st century.

During a week in which the international community gathered in New York, Canada’s accusations threatened to cast a pall over the United Nations’ high-level week. But India, certain that Canada acted irresponsibly in making such grievous allegations in public and secure in the denial issued by the ministry of external affairs, has stated that the issue has not been raised in their diplomatic engagements.

Sanjay Verma, secretary (west), and Ruchira Kamboj, India’s permanent representative to the UN, are leading India’s bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the UNGA, as foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra canceled his trip to New York. Kwatra was supposed to fill in for external affairs minister S Jaishankar until the minister arrived on September 22 after attending a special session of Parliament.

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Jaishankar will arrive in time for the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting on Friday; he then has a packed bilateral calendar where he is expected to visit leaders from both developed and developing countries; and on September 26, he will deliver India’s national statement at the UNGA. After delivering a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Jaishankar will travel to Washington, D.C., where he will meet with senior officials from the National Security Council and the State Department, as well as interact with businesses specializing in critical technologies and the think tank community. India will have the opportunity to respond to what it has termed Canada’s “absurd” allegations in both New York and Washington, D.C.

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“Avoid all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as the security situation is unpredictable. Terrorism, militancy, civil unrest, and hijacking pose a threat. This advisory excludes travel to or within the Union Territory of Ladakh,” Canada stated in its advisory for India, which was labeled “Exert Extreme Caution.”

Even as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday demanded that India treat with “utmost seriousness” Canada’s allegations of New Delhi’s possible involvement in the murder of Nijjar, a concern echoed by Washington, the most recent development has occurred.

#WATCH | Ottawa: Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau says, "The government of India needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are doing that, we are not looking to provoke or escalate, we are simply laying out the facts as we understand them and we want to… pic.twitter.com/NyJbdxVJm6

— ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2023

In response to Canada’s assertion, an Indian intelligence official was expelled from Canada and a senior Canadian diplomat was expelled from New Delhi.

“India must treat this matter with the utmost gravity. We are not seeking to provoke or escalate by doing so,” Trudeau told reporters.

Canada stated on Monday that there were “credible allegations” that New Delhi-affiliated agents murdered Canadian citizen Nijjar in front of a Sikh cultural center in a Vancouver suburb on June 18.

The government of Narendra Modi termed Canada’s allegations “absurd.”

On Tuesday, Trudeau stated that his statement was not intended to “escalate” tensions with New Delhi.

“We seek neither to provoke nor escalate. According to CBC, he stated on Tuesday morning in Ottawa, “We are simply presenting the facts as we understand them.”

“The Indian government must treat this matter with the utmost gravity. Trudeau stated this a day after his speech in the House of Commons, which was followed by the expulsion of an Indian diplomat by Ottawa.

India summoned Canadian ambassador Cameron MacKay to the ministry of external affairs to inform him of New Delhi’s decision to expel a senior Canadian diplomat, the chief of Canadian intelligence in India.

The decision reflects the Indian government’s “growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal affairs and their participation in anti-India activities,” according to a statement issued by the external affairs ministry.

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“Any involvement of a foreign government in the murder of a Canadian on Canadian soil is an intolerable breach of our sovereignty. It violates the fundamental principles that govern the conduct of free, open, and democratic societies, said Trudeau on Monday.

It was widely believed that the accusation would further deteriorate bilateral relations, which were already at an all-time low due to the activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, such as holding a so-called referendum on a separate homeland for Sikhs, targeting Indian diplomatic premises, and inciting violence against top Indian officials.

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On July 8, members of the Indian community in Toronto, Canada, displayed the national flag in opposition to a pro-Khalistan demonstration. To send a clear message to separatist elements, members of the Indian community held a counter-demonstration and unfurled the Indian tricolor in front of the consulate, where Khalistan supporters were displaying their flags. This comes days after posters featuring Indian diplomats in Canada and London proclaiming a July 8 pro-Khalistan rally surfaced on social media.

Saturday’s pro-Khalistan demonstration outside the Indian High Commission in London was relatively subdued and incident-free. The duration of the demonstration, which occurred between 12:30 and 2:30 GMT, was shorter than anticipated. In stark contrast to earlier protests held at the same location this year, only a handful of individuals defied the rain to attend the demonstration.

The demonstration was part of a series of protests held in cities around the globe, including Melbourne, San Francisco, and Toronto, to condemn the murder of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia on June 18. In India, Nijjar was sought on terrorism charges.

The Hindu reported that protesters in London displayed banners depicting India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and its Consul General in Birmingham, accusing them of being responsible for Nijjar’s murder. Recently, similar posters depicting the leaders of various Indian missions around the world circulated on social media platforms.

In addition to pro-Khalistan banners, there were also Pakistan and Kashmir support posters among the demonstrators on Saturday, according to the report. These posters highlighted the larger geopolitical dynamics at play within the protest.

In the meantime, India demanded on Friday that the British government immediately deport or prosecute the Khalistani elements in their country, as the “individual targeting” of Indian diplomats has become a major source of concern for New Delhi. During a meeting in New Delhi, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his British counterpart Tim Barrow discussed the issue at length.

“The two parties agreed to increase cooperation in the fight against violent extremism and radicalism. In a democracy, violent extremism and radicalization cannot be justified, an official source told media.

Also read this:“Everything calm so far”: Ambassador Sandhu inspects Indian Embassy after calls for pro-Khalistan protests in US

The source added, “The Indian side raised the issue of extremist elements in the UK threatening individual officers of the Indian High Commission and urged the UK Government to take strong public action against these extremist elements, such as deportation or legal prosecution.”

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#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar speaks on reports of late PM Indira Gandhi's assassination celebration in Canada; says, "…I think there is a bigger issue involved…Frankly, we are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do… pic.twitter.com/VsNP82T1Fb

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2023

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