New Delhi: S. Jaishankar stated, “We reached a stage when, as a minister, I could not risk exposing the diplomats to the kind of violence that was very clearly prevalent in Canada at that time.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India expects action against the culprits involved in last year’s attacks on its high commission in London and consulate in San Francisco. He mentioned that Indian diplomats in Canada were repeatedly “threatened and intimidated,” leading to the suspension of visa issuance. Jaishankar expressed dissatisfaction with the Canadian system’s response during that time and emphasized the need for action against those involved in the attacks and threats.
India continues to emphasize its concern with Canada over the space given to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for action against those involved in attacks on the Indian consulate in San Francisco, the high commission in London, and threats to diplomats in Canada.
He highlighted the need to bring the culprits to book and expressed dissatisfaction with the response from the Canadian system when diplomats were repeatedly threatened. Jaishankar mentioned the suspension of visa issuance in Canada due to safety concerns for diplomats, but he noted that the situation has improved, and visa operations are now normal.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the misuse of freedom of speech, citing instances of smoke bombs thrown into Indian missions in Canada. He highlighted the importance of protecting diplomats, stating that freedom of speech does not extend to intimidating diplomats who are performing their duties.
Jaishankar called for the culprits involved in these attacks to be brought to book and expressed dissatisfaction with the protection received during the attack on the high commission in the UK. He noted improvements in the UK, Australia, and the U.S., emphasizing the importance of receiving states investigating and taking action against such attacks.