In the midst of escalating tensions between Canada and India, Canada’s Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly, has publicly acknowledged her recent communication with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar. This marks the first official confirmation of ministerial-level contacts between the two countries since the start of the diplomatic crisis.
During a Q&A session at an event in Toronto, Mélanie Joly stated, “I’ve been in contact with the foreign minister, Minister Jaishankar, and we will continue to do so.” In her remarks, Joly aimed to downplay the growing friction, emphasizing the strong historical ties and deep connections that underpin the relationship between Canada and India.
Addressing the issue at the Economic Club of Canada, Joly noted, “It is important to remember this is one moment in a relationship that spans decades and is built upon strong connections between our two peoples.” She further underlined that Canada’s decision to inform its citizens about “credible allegations” related to the killing of a Canadian citizen was a matter of safeguarding national sovereignty and the safety of its citizens. Despite the strained relations, Canada remains engaged with the Indian government on this issue.
Joly outlined the principles guiding Canada’s foreign policy, which include vigorously defending its sovereignty and employing pragmatic diplomacy. She stressed the importance of engaging with countries with which Canada may have disagreements, highlighting the significance of upholding clear and fair rules to promote predictability.
The recent diplomatic tensions began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested “credible allegations” of a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. In response, both countries expelled one diplomat each, and India subsequently requested 41 Canadian diplomats to leave India. While Canada characterized this as a “mass expulsion” of its diplomats, India argued it was a move to maintain diplomatic “parity.”
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a prominent figure in the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice in British Columbia and was killed in the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara he presided over in Surrey.
The ongoing contact between the foreign ministers indicates a commitment to addressing the issues between the two nations despite the challenges in the relationship.
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