EAM Jaishankar To Skip Canada Led Covid Meet After Justin Trudeau Reiterates Stand On Farmers' Protest

Jaishankar will skip Canada-led coronavirus pandemic strategy meetings days after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's remarks on the farmers' protest. The EAM attended the first meeting.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (File Photo/ Getty)

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will not participate in the next meeting of the Canada-led group of foreign ministers, which is aimed at forging a common strategy to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, because India is upset with the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s comments on the ongoing farmers' protests at Delhi-Haryana border. On Friday, Canadian High Commissioner to New Delhi Nadir Patel was summoned by MEA and a strong demarche was issued where India said that such remarks made by the PM could have a "damaging" impact on relations between the two countries. A press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said that such comments by none other than Prime Minister Trudeau have "encouraged" extremist activities outside the Indian missions in Canada. "These comments have encouraged gatherings of extremist activities in front of our High Commission and Consulates in Canada that raise issues of safety and security. We expect the Canadian Government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimize extremist activism," the MEA said.

Justin Trudeau reiterates stand on farmers' protest

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday reiterated his position on the ongoing farmers' protest against the farm bills in India. When asked about India saying that his remarks could impact ties he said, "Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protest and human rights". When asked again about relations with India, he maintained, "Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protest anywhere around the world. We are pleased to see moves towards de-escalation and dialogue." Taking serious note of the views of politicians in Canada, India has said that it has encouraged anti-India elements such as Khalistani supporters to protest outside the Indian missions in Canada, putting the security of diplomats and staff in danger.

Jaishankar took part in the meeting for the first time last month

The Ministerial Coordination Group of Covid-19 (MCGC), as the Champagne-led group is called, has been meeting about once a month ever since the pandemic broke out in March, and Jaishankar participated in it for the first time last month.

 At the time, he had seemed happy to participate and Indian officials had noted it was a recognition of India’s expanding influence worldwide. Notably, China is not invited to this meeting.

Rallies organised in Canada to prove solidarity with Indian farmers

Posters and messages have been doing rounds online which read - "Ottawa Kisaan Rally 2020" to be held on December 5. "It is your time to stand united and show your support", reads one message. Another rally being organised on December 5 is "Hamilton Kisaan Rally", a car rally that would culminate at Eastgate Square Shopping Mall followed by a peaceful protest at the intersection of Centennial and Queenston. Another message read, "Kissan Dharna Car Rally" in support of "Punjabi farmers marching in Delhi in protest of recent agriculture bills that threaten their livelihoods and their lives". This rally will end outside the Indian consulate.

Canada 'ill-informed' about our new farm laws: India

India continues to maintain that the Canadian leadership is "ill-informed" about the agriculture law as in India and such remarks tantamount to meddling in India's internal affairs. "The Canadian High Commissioner was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs today and informed that comments by the Canadian Prime Minister, some Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament on issues relating to Indian farmers constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs," a statement issued by the MEA said. The statement added, "Such actions if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada."