External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called for "not" normalising what is happening in Canada and said that there is a climate of violence and an atmosphere of intimidation on Canadian soil. Recalling incidents of attacks on Indian consulates there, he said smoke bombs were thrown at Indian missions, posters were put up and asked if these were all normal. The minister said it was necessary to call out what is happening in Canada.
"...Our point is that there is today a climate of violence, an atmosphere of intimidation...Just just think about it. We have had smoke bombs thrown at the mission. We've had our consulates, violence in front of them. Individuals have been targeted and intimidated. There are posters put up about people. So tell me, do you consider this normal?... If this had happened to any other country, how would they react to it?... Let's not normalize what is happening in Canada...So I think it's necessary to call out what is happening there and our point is this."
Speaking on the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Jaishanakr said that no body is disputing a probe into the allegations over an "incident".
"There may be an individual incident. Yes, if there is an incident and there is an investigation and there are allegations you know there are processes involved in it. I mean nobody is disputing that..." the foreign affairs minister said.
Emphasising "larger issue" in Canada, Jaishankar said that it would not come as a surprise to Indians if anybody told them that there were people in Canada who were advocating violence and separatism. He said that very few in America notice this and they see something else when they look at Canada.
"No incident is isolated and no incident is the totality. There is a context for everything and there are multiple problems out there...But there is a larger issue...I think the larger issue should be flagged...In India, it will not come as a surprise to anybody if you tell them that there are people in Canada who are advocating violence, separatism...All Indians notice, I suspected very few Americans notice...When Americans look at Canada, they see something, when we in India look at Canada, we see something else and that's a part of the problem..."
"What we have taken is a very reasonable stance...When was the last time that any of our missions was intimidated to a point where it could not continue with its normal functioning?...If someone says this could happen in a G7 country, in a Commonwealth country, it gives you a lot to think about," he added.
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'Our Doors Are Not Shut'
The EAM said Canada has used the word 'allegation' and India is open to looking at anything they require, but for that, there needs to be something to look at. He added that India's doors are open for an open probe into the ongoing issue.
"My understanding is that the word used by the Canadians is allegation...I have already answered it...We've always said that look if there is information let us know...It's not that our doors are shut to looking at something. If there is a requirement for us to look at something, we are open to looking at it. But, I then expect somewhere...something for me to look at."
Refusing to use the term 'deadlock' to describe the present situation between the two countries, Jaishankar said that India will see into the matter if Canadians are ready to share some information, adding that an incident being treated in isolation doesn't convey the right picture at all.
"Well, I don't know if I would use the term deadlock...The issue is as follows: The Canadians have made some allegations. We have pointed out to them that this is not the Government of India's policy and if they are prepared to share with us specifics and anything relevant, we are also open to looking at it. So in that sense, that's where the matter stands but what we do not want to see is an incident treated in isolation because then that somewhere does not convey the right picture," he said.
'Permissiveness In Regard To Terrorism, Extremism And Violence'
Jaishanakr also talked about the problems between India and Canada that have been there for some years due to Khalistani activists' upsurge there. He said the problem revolves around the permissiveness in regard to terrorism, extremism and violence, which is further reflected by Canada's decision to not work on extradite requests from India.
"...in the fact that there are individuals and organizations who are clearly involved with violence and illegal activities in India, who themselves declared. I mean it is not a secret. They continue to carry on with their activities in Canada and most important, the fact that our diplomatic missions and our diplomatic personnel have been consistently and continuously intimidated in Canada...The fact that we have had to temporarily suspend our visa operations...It is just that they made it very difficult for us to operate those services..." the minister added.
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Jaishankar On If Canada Row Was Discussed With Blinken
When asked if the Canada issue was discussed in the meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Jaishankar said they did spend some time on it, adding that India-US relations have many dimensions.
"...It's an ongoing conversation...Yes, I did spend some time on it...Yes, we discussed other things...Our relationship has many dimensions. Many areas of cooperation...I want to be fair. If something is discussed, I am transparent about it. I have no problem saying yes we discussed it. I don't want you to think that in the India-US relationship, there is only one issue. I would say yes, it's an ongoing conversation..." he said.
Mentioning that "we are a democracy", the minister said India doesn't "need to learn from other people what freedom of speech is about". "...We don't think freedom of speech extends to incitement to violence. That to us, is the misuse of freedom...How would you react if you were in my shoes? If it was your diplomats, your embassy, your people, what would be your reaction?"
Not A Matter For Entire Community: Jaishankar
The EAM said PM Narendra Modi-led government has paid attention to the issues of the Sikh community in the last 10 years and the discussion going on (demand for Khalistan) is not representative of the entire community.
"...Everyone is aware of the amount of attention that the Modi government has paid to the issues of the Sikh community in the last 10 years and the suggestions it has made. I do not believe that the discussions that are taking place right now are the representative issues of the entire community (Sikhs)..." he said.
The minister said those who talk about terrorism, the separatist people and whose arguments involve violence are in the minority and one must not take this as a matter for the entire community.