Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Saturday that India had raised the issue of organized crime in Canada, but it was long ignored by the Canadian government. During the discourse, Jaishankar noted that the Canadian government was targeting Indian High Commissioner and diplomats, to which India responded.
What Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar Said
During an event in Pune, Jaishankar emphasized that whenever national interests, integrity, and sovereignty are threatened, India will take firm actions. He remarked, 'The Canadian government targeted our High Commissioner and diplomats, to which we gave a fitting response.'
Diplomatic Tensions Rise Between India and Canada
On October 13, Canada appointed Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma to investigate the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, before Canada could proceed further, India recalled Sanjay Verma and five other diplomats. Subsequently, India expelled six Canadian diplomats. The diplomatic dispute intensified when Ottawa hinted at potential sanctions against India, which India dismissed.
Canadian officials accused Indian agents of involvement in "murders, extortion, and acts of violence targeting Khalistani supporters" and even attempted to link the Bishnoi gang to shadowy criminal activities on Canadian soil.
Jaishankar mentioned, "The issue is that a small minority there has transformed itself into a significant political force. Unfortunately, the country's politics might be playing into this political lobby to some degree, which is detrimental not only for us and our relations but I would argue it's unfavorable for Canada as well."
Jaishankar on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Speaking on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he noted that it's been three years. How many nations could travel to Moscow to meet Vladimir Putin and to Ukraine to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky? The world recognizes India's capability to engage on this issue effectively. Additionally, he expressed that future leading nations would be those with the best human resources.
On
13 October
, Canadian officials took a step against Indian diplomats, leading India to reciprocate with similar measures.
