External Affairs Minister Jaishankar: Canada’s Situation ‘Not Normal,’ Cites Threats to Indian Diplomats
India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, has expressed serious concerns regarding the ongoing situation in Canada, urging that it should not be viewed as normal. Speaking at a press conference in Washington D.C. on October 1, 2023, Jaishankar addressed the escalating tensions surrounding the safety of Indian diplomats and instances of violence near the Indian diplomatic mission in Canada.
Jaishankar’s comments came in response to rising incidents that have contributed to strained relations between the two nations. The External Affairs Minister emphasized the seriousness of the situation, particularly in light of intimidation faced by Indian diplomats in Canada.
“We have seen incidents of violence and intimidation outside our mission in Canada. These are not isolated occurrences and should not be treated as normal,” said Jaishankar. His remarks are the latest in a series of diplomatic exchanges between India and Canada, highlighting growing concerns over the security of Indian representatives and citizens abroad.
Rising Concerns Over Safety of Indian Diplomats
The recent tension between India and Canada has centered around increasing acts of aggression targeting Indian diplomats. Over the past few months, there have been multiple reports of protests and violent incidents outside the Indian High Commission and other diplomatic offices in Canada. These protests, primarily led by separatist elements, have raised concerns about the safety and security of Indian representatives.
Jaishankar pointed out that these actions were not mere demonstrations but deliberate attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats, violating the norms of diplomatic safety that govern international relations. He reiterated that any country hosting foreign diplomats is responsible for ensuring their safety, a responsibility that India expects Canada to uphold.
“We have made it very clear to the Canadian authorities that they are obligated to provide security to our diplomats under the Vienna Convention. This is non-negotiable,” Jaishankar asserted during his address.
Tension Between India and Canada Intensifies
The diplomatic relationship between India and Canada has been under strain due to various issues, including the activities of separatist groups that promote anti-India agendas on Canadian soil. The Indian government has repeatedly raised concerns about the Canadian authorities not taking sufficient action against these groups.
Jaishankar’s latest comments come against the backdrop of increasing dissatisfaction in New Delhi with Ottawa’s handling of the situation. Indian officials have raised concerns about the lack of action from the Canadian government to curtail extremist activities, which they argue have been emboldened over time.
“These are not just issues for India but also reflect a broader concern about the rule of law and respect for diplomatic norms. Canada must take these incidents seriously if it wishes to maintain stable diplomatic relations,” Jaishankar said.
Canada’s Response and Future Diplomatic Relations
While the Canadian government has acknowledged India’s concerns, it has maintained that it is committed to ensuring the safety of all foreign diplomats and missions within its borders. However, Ottawa has also emphasized the importance of freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest, which are enshrined in Canadian law. This stance has been criticized by Indian officials, who argue that the line between free speech and threats of violence is being blurred.
In the press conference, Jaishankar emphasized that India’s expectations from Canada are clear: it must safeguard the safety of Indian diplomats and address the rising separatist rhetoric that poses a threat to India’s sovereignty.
“We value our relationship with Canada, but it is essential for Canada to address these issues responsibly. We cannot accept situations where the security of our diplomats is compromised,” Jaishankar said.
When asked about the future of India-Canada relations, Jaishankar highlighted that India remains open to dialogue but insists that Canada must take concrete actions to restore normalcy. “We are ready for talks, but the current situation cannot be brushed aside. Canada must take steps to correct this if it wishes to return to a constructive partnership,” he added.
Global Implications
The situation in Canada is not just an isolated bilateral issue but could have broader implications for India’s diplomatic engagements with other countries that host large Indian diasporas. With increasing reports of anti-India activities being carried out by extremist elements in other parts of the world, India is likely to push for stronger measures from host countries to ensure the safety of its missions and diplomats.
The issue also raises questions about international diplomatic norms, particularly the responsibilities of host nations to protect foreign representatives. For India, safeguarding its diplomats has now become a key focus in its foreign policy as it continues to engage with global powers like Canada.
As Jaishankar concluded, “The situation in Canada is not normal, and it should not be treated as such. This is about ensuring the safety of diplomats, and we will not compromise on that.”
