New Delhi: In a riveting flip of occasions, India’s Exterior Affairs Minister (EAM), S Jaishankar, has demanded proof from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has accused India of collaborating 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 severe 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 could 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 challenge of violent and excessive political opinions 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 Excessive Fee, and intimidation of consul generals and different diplomats.
Within the midst of a diplomatic spat between India and Canada over the dying of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Indian Excessive Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, was barred by radicals from getting into a gurdwara in Glasgow in October this 12 months.
Jaishankar additional emphasised the significance of exercising accountability within the context of freedom of speech and expression in Canada. He said, “However freedom of speech and freedom of expression additionally comes with a sure accountability. And the misuse of these freedoms and the toleration of that misuse for political functions can be, to our thoughts, very improper.”
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 Conference by “kicking out” 40 diplomats at a time when his nation was reaching out to India and different world companions to analyze the homicide.
Nevertheless, the Ministry of Exterior 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.
