Amid escalating tensions with Canada, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has criticized the Canadian government for providing political space to Khalistani separatist elements. In an interview, Jaishankar emphasized that freedom of speech does not extend to supporting separatism. He expressed concern over the presence of individuals with dubious backgrounds in Canada, questioning the strength of Canadian law enforcement.
Jaishankar pointed out that the Canadian government’s response to India’s concerns has been that it has freedom of speech. However, he countered that freedom of speech does not include the right to threaten foreign diplomats or provide support to individuals with dubious backgrounds associated with organized crime.
Jaishankar’s comments come after Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller defended the Canadian government’s support for freedom of speech, despite India’s concerns. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly also stood by Canada’s allegations that a Canadian was killed on Canadian soil by Indian agents. India has reiterated that it has not received any evidence to support this claim.
The ongoing war of words between India and Canada has strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. India has accused Canada of harboring Khalistani separatists, while Canada has expressed concern over allegations of human rights violations in India. The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear how the diplomatic rift will be resolved.
