India has taken a firm stance against recent actions by the Canadian government, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stating that India “completely rejects the manner in which the Canadian government targeted our High Commissioner and diplomats.” This comment, made at an event in Pune, comes in the wake of Canada’s decision to identify Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and other Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in connection with the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was previously designated a Khalistani terrorist by the Indian government.
In response to Ottawa’s actions, India recalled Verma and five other diplomats, a preemptive measure before any further moves could be made by Canada. This diplomatic back-and-forth continued with India’s decision to expel six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi, escalating the already tense relationship between the two nations.
Sanctions and Political Influence: Jaishankar’s Perspective on Canada’s Internal Politics
The strained diplomatic relationship has also seen Canadian authorities suggest possible sanctions against India, a move that Jaishankar has dismissed as “baseless.” He raised concerns about a small but vocal political lobby in Canada, describing it as a group with outsized influence on Canada’s political landscape, which he argued has impacted Indo-Canadian relations.
Jaishankar stated, “The issue is that there is a small minority of people over there, but they have made themselves into what appears to be a bigger political voice. Unfortunately, the politics of that country is giving that political lobby, perhaps a degree of play which I would argue is not just bad for us and our relationship. I would argue it is bad for Canada itself.”
Jaishankar’s remarks reflect India’s position that Canada’s political environment, due in part to the support received by certain groups, has permitted individuals and factions linked to organized crime to influence Canadian society and politics.
India’s Unheeded Warnings About Organized Crime in Canada
Jaishankar further emphasized that India had repeatedly raised concerns with Canadian authorities regarding organized criminal activities linked to certain communities within Canada, but that these concerns had largely gone unaddressed. He attributed this issue to what he termed a “permissive atmosphere” in Canada that has, over time, allowed criminal elements to grow. Reflecting on India’s warnings, he remarked, “We were telling them, and they were not listening. It is happening because of a permissive atmosphere for a long time.” Jaishankar also expressed a desire for a shift in Canada’s political landscape, hoping for “more sensible, more sober, more responsible” leadership.
Canada’s recent actions and allegations, including suggestions that Indian intelligence agents were involved in “homicides, extortion, and violent acts targeting pro-Khalistan supporters,” have added complexity to the issue. These claims included an attempt by Canadian authorities to connect India to criminal activities allegedly involving the Bishnoi gang.
Global Diplomatic Influence: India’s Role in International Mediation
In addition to addressing India’s position on Canada, Jaishankar also touched on India’s growing role in international diplomacy, particularly in mediating complex situations such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Noting India’s diplomatic capabilities, Jaishankar said, “How many countries in the world had the capability to visit Moscow and meet Vladimir Putin as well as visit Ukraine to meet [President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy? The world thinks that India has this ability. India stood up and spoke about the issue.”
Jaishankar’s statements reflect the recognition India has received for its diplomatic outreach in high-stakes global conflicts, marking the country’s position as a mediator willing to engage with all sides.
India’s G20 Leadership and Commitment to Inclusive Alliances
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s role in strengthening international alliances, particularly under its G20 presidency. A significant milestone during India’s presidency was the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, symbolizing India’s commitment to fostering broader global representation within key international organizations. This move reflects India’s vision for a more inclusive global order, in which developing nations and emerging economies hold a greater voice on the world stage.
Concluding his remarks, Jaishankar emphasized that countries with strong human resources would be the most influential in the future. India’s role in the G20, he noted, exemplifies its commitment to elevating global discussions that emphasize diversity, development, and balanced representation in international policy-making platforms.
(With inputs from PTI)
In response to Ottawa’s actions, India recalled Verma and five other diplomats, a preemptive measure before any further moves could be made by Canada. This diplomatic back-and-forth continued with India’s decision to expel six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi, escalating the already tense relationship between the two nations.
Sanctions and Political Influence: Jaishankar’s Perspective on Canada’s Internal Politics
The strained diplomatic relationship has also seen Canadian authorities suggest possible sanctions against India, a move that Jaishankar has dismissed as “baseless.” He raised concerns about a small but vocal political lobby in Canada, describing it as a group with outsized influence on Canada’s political landscape, which he argued has impacted Indo-Canadian relations.
Jaishankar stated, “The issue is that there is a small minority of people over there, but they have made themselves into what appears to be a bigger political voice. Unfortunately, the politics of that country is giving that political lobby, perhaps a degree of play which I would argue is not just bad for us and our relationship. I would argue it is bad for Canada itself.”
Jaishankar’s remarks reflect India’s position that Canada’s political environment, due in part to the support received by certain groups, has permitted individuals and factions linked to organized crime to influence Canadian society and politics.
India’s Unheeded Warnings About Organized Crime in Canada
Jaishankar further emphasized that India had repeatedly raised concerns with Canadian authorities regarding organized criminal activities linked to certain communities within Canada, but that these concerns had largely gone unaddressed. He attributed this issue to what he termed a “permissive atmosphere” in Canada that has, over time, allowed criminal elements to grow. Reflecting on India’s warnings, he remarked, “We were telling them, and they were not listening. It is happening because of a permissive atmosphere for a long time.” Jaishankar also expressed a desire for a shift in Canada’s political landscape, hoping for “more sensible, more sober, more responsible” leadership.
Canada’s recent actions and allegations, including suggestions that Indian intelligence agents were involved in “homicides, extortion, and violent acts targeting pro-Khalistan supporters,” have added complexity to the issue. These claims included an attempt by Canadian authorities to connect India to criminal activities allegedly involving the Bishnoi gang.
Global Diplomatic Influence: India’s Role in International Mediation
In addition to addressing India’s position on Canada, Jaishankar also touched on India’s growing role in international diplomacy, particularly in mediating complex situations such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Noting India’s diplomatic capabilities, Jaishankar said, “How many countries in the world had the capability to visit Moscow and meet Vladimir Putin as well as visit Ukraine to meet [President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy? The world thinks that India has this ability. India stood up and spoke about the issue.”
Jaishankar’s statements reflect the recognition India has received for its diplomatic outreach in high-stakes global conflicts, marking the country’s position as a mediator willing to engage with all sides.
India’s G20 Leadership and Commitment to Inclusive Alliances
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s role in strengthening international alliances, particularly under its G20 presidency. A significant milestone during India’s presidency was the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, symbolizing India’s commitment to fostering broader global representation within key international organizations. This move reflects India’s vision for a more inclusive global order, in which developing nations and emerging economies hold a greater voice on the world stage.
Concluding his remarks, Jaishankar emphasized that countries with strong human resources would be the most influential in the future. India’s role in the G20, he noted, exemplifies its commitment to elevating global discussions that emphasize diversity, development, and balanced representation in international policy-making platforms.
(With inputs from PTI)
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