Amidst the allowance of political leeway to Khalistani separatist factions, the Canadian administration is imparting a notion that its electoral sway surpasses its adherence to legal statutes, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar articulated. In an exclusive discourse with PTI during the latter part of Thursday, Jaishankar delineated that while India upholds and cherishes the liberty of expression, it does not conflate it with the liberty to intimidate foreign envoys, lend support to separatist ideologies, or grant political latitude to factions advocating violence.
The foreign affairs minister also pondered over the admission and habitation of individuals with dubious backgrounds in Canada, particularly referencing Khalistani sympathizers among the Sikh migrants from Punjab. “In any society predicated on rules, one would presume scrutiny over individuals’ backgrounds, their method of arrival, and the passports they carry, etc.,” he remarked.
“In instances where individuals are present on questionable documentation, what does that insinuate? It essentially indicates that electoral influence supersedes adherence to legal norms,” the minister articulated. The Indian diaspora in Canada stands at approximately 1.8 million, with an additional one million Non-Resident Indians dwelling in the nation. The Indian diaspora, predominantly of Sikh lineage, wields considerable influence in Canada’s political arena.
Relations between India and Canada underwent considerable strain subsequent to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s assertions in September of last year regarding the purported involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s demise. New Delhi rebuffed Trudeau’s accusations as “preposterous”. India has persistently contended that the primary issue revolves around Canada affording space to pro-Khalistani entities operating from its soil with impunity.
“It’s not so much a matter of exhausting options. Unfortunately, what we’ve observed in Canadian politics is the proliferation of separatist and extremist factions, many of whom openly advocate violence, being granted political sanctuary in that nation,” Jaishankar noted. “Moreover, individuals in positions of eminence within Canadian politics presently endorse such separatist and extremist ideologies,” he added.
His observations ensued in response to queries regarding how India intends to address challenges emanating from Canada and whether New Delhi’s options are dwindling. “We cannot disregard this for the sake of amicable relations,” he emphasized during the candid interview at PTI’s headquarters. Jaishankar underscored that Canada’s response to India’s apprehensions has been rooted in the principle of freedom of speech.
“Whenever we’ve broached this issue with Canadian authorities… it’s not a novel issue… It’s been ongoing for almost a decade, and their response invariably centers on ‘freedom of speech’,” he remarked. “We too cherish freedom of speech within our nation. However, freedom of speech does not extend to threatening foreign diplomats, nor does it encompass the stances and activities undertaken by individuals in Canada which detrimentally impact our nation due to their support for separatism,” Jaishankar asserted.
“And freedom of speech certainly does not entail the provision of sanctuary to individuals with questionable backgrounds—individuals associated with organized crime and the like,” the external affairs minister appended. Over recent months, India has voiced concerns regarding the security of its diplomatic personnel in Canada, urging Ottawa to guarantee their ability to discharge their duties without apprehension.
Instances of pro-Khalistani elements issuing threats against Indian diplomats have surfaced. In the wake of Trudeau’s allegations in September, India implored Ottawa to scale back its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure parity. Subsequently, Canada recalled 41 diplomats along with their families from India.
India has consistently maintained that its primary contention with Canada revolves around the shelter provided to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements within the nation. Last week, Canadian authorities formally charged three Indian citizens with Nijjar’s murder. It is purported that they entered Canada on student visas. On Thursday, India iterated that Canada has yet to furnish any “specific” evidence or information pertaining to the case.