Watch: EAM Jaishankar’s point-by-point rebuttal to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s charges on Nijjar killing
During an event at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Jaishankar elaborated on India’s response over Canadian allegations.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed concerns about “organised crime, related to secessionist forces, violence and extremism” in Canada, stating that the country has been “very permissive” due to political reasons. Jaishankar highlighted that the Indian government has provided
World is witnessing an exceptional period of turmoil: EAM S. Jaishankar addresses 78th session of UN general assembly
“Firstly, we informed the Canadians that this does not align with the policy of the government of India,” he explained. “Secondly, we conveyed to the Canadians that if they possess specific and pertinent information, they should share it with us – we are open to examining it.”
In his address, Jaishankar highlighted India’s concerns regarding the presence of extremist elements and organised criminal activities in Canada, particularly those associated with secessionist movements and violent extremism.
The EAM accused prime minister Justin Trudeau‘s government of refraining from taking action against extremists residing in Canada due to political convenience. Jaishankar said: “Canada has, in fact, witnessed a significant surge in organised criminal activities linked to secessionist groups, organized crime, and violent extremism.” He continued, “Our concern is that this permissiveness has largely been driven by political considerations.”
“We have actually been badgering the Canadians, we have given them a lot of information about organised crime leadership, which operates out of Canada. There are a large number of extradition requests. There are terrorist leaders who have been identified,” he said, adding that one has to understand that there is an “environment out there”.
Canada claims it has ‘human and signals intel’; Nothing credible shared, says India
“We have a situation where actually our diplomats are threatened, our consulates have been attacked and often comments are made (that are) interference in our politics,” Jaishankar said.
“I am not affiliated with the Five Eyes alliance, and I certainly do not have any involvement with the FBI. You are directing your questions to the wrong individual,” Jaishankar said when asked about reports that intelligence about the killing was shared amongst the Five Eyes, the intelligence-sharing alliance of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States and that the FBI is telling Sikh leaders in the US that there are credible threats to them.
Trudeau recently claimed that Ottawa possessed credible intelligence linking Indian agents to the murder, provoking an initial strong reaction from New Delhi, which firmly denied the allegation.
Last week, India suspended the issuance of new visas to Canadians and requested that Ottawa reduce its diplomatic presence in India, citing what it characterized as a deteriorating security situation.
(With inputs from agencies)
Watch Watch: EAM Jaishankar’s point-by-point rebuttal to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s charges on Nijjar killing
