s-jaishankar-reacts-to-hardeep-nijjar-killing-calls-canada-s-responses-internal-politics

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the situation surrounding the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, as three Indians were arrested in Canada in connection with the case.

 

Jaishankar's remarks came amidst Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's criticisms of India, prompting questions regarding the nature of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

 

During an interaction with senior journalists in Bhubaneswar, Jaishankar dismissed Canada's actions as driven by internal politics. He criticized Canada for accusing India without substantial evidence, highlighting the need for restraint and evidence-based accusations in international relations.

 

The Canadian police charged three individuals on Friday regarding the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, while also investigating potential links to the Indian government.

 

In response, Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to await further information from Canadian authorities, refraining from preemptive conclusions.

 

Acknowledging reports of the arrests, Jaishankar described the suspects as individuals with connections to organized crime, particularly from Punjab, India.

 

He highlighted India's longstanding concern about the presence of such elements operating in Canada, urging Canadian authorities to address this issue effectively.

 

While acknowledging positive feedback from various world leaders, he singled out Canada as an exception, hinting at underlying tensions in bilateral relations.

 

Expressing concern over the exploitation of Canada's democratic framework by pro-Khalistan elements, Jaishankar emphasized the need for concerted efforts to address this challenge.

 

He cautioned against granting visas or political legitimacy to individuals espousing separatist ideologies.