External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said he discussed the current diplomatic relations between India and Canada with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong.
In his meeting with Wong, Jaishankar raised the issue of extremism and radicalization in Canada.
Jaishankar said, “Yes, I spoke to Minister Wong about this today. Australia has good and strong relations with both our countries. Therefore, it was important that Australia know our perspective on this issue. From our perspective, the main issue is really the space that is being given to extremism and radicalization in Canada.”
Wong is in New Delhi for the India-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Framework Talks.
Relations between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September of “possible” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India had completely rejected Canada’s allegations.
On November 16, India had called on Canada to provide a conducive environment in line with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations so that its officials can perform their duties without any hindrance or security concerns.
“Our High Commission and Consulate in Canada regularly organize consular camps. One such camp was organized near Vancouver on November 12 to provide life certificates to pensioners, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during his weekly media briefing.
He also said, “We reiterate the need for nations to respect the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations so that our diplomats can discharge their diplomatic responsibilities.”
Days after Trudeau’s allegations, India temporarily suspended issuing visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure parity.
Canada has already recalled 41 diplomats and their family members from India.
India has resumed some visa services.
(with inputs from agencies)
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Updated: Nov 21, 2023, 05:06 PM IST
