External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has criticized Canada for its “double standards” as tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa escalate following allegations surrounding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada last year. Jaishankar’s comments come on the heels of New Delhi’s recent decision to expel Canadian diplomats in response to accusations linking India to Nijjar’s death.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
In a statement made on Monday, Jaishankar described Canada’s actions as exhibiting “double standards,” a term he deemed a “very mild word” for the situation. His remarks were prompted by the ongoing diplomatic fallout after Canada expelled Indian diplomats and raised new allegations against the Indian government regarding Nijjar’s killing in British Columbia.
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Last week, India expelled Canadian Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler and five other diplomats, further intensifying the diplomatic crisis. India also recalled its high commissioner and five additional diplomats in response to Canada’s claims. The diplomatic spat marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two countries, which had already been strained following Nijjar’s killing.
Historical Context of Khalistani Issues
The current crisis is not an isolated incident; it reflects a long-standing tension between India and Canada over the Khalistani movement. Notably, the issue dates back to 1982, when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi voiced her concerns to Pierre Trudeau, Justin Trudeau’s father, regarding Canada’s inadequate response to the Khalistani challenge.
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That year, Surjan Singh Gill, a Khalistani sympathizer, set up the ‘Khalistan government in exile’ office in Vancouver, issuing blue Khalistani passports and currency, although these efforts received limited local support. At the time, Pierre Trudeau declined India’s request to extradite a suspect involved in the killing of two police officers in Punjab.
Jaishankar Critiques Canada’s Response
Jaishankar pointed out the contradictions in Canada’s stance, saying, “If you threaten the Indian high commissioner, he is supposed to accept it as freedom of speech, but if an Indian journalist comments on the Canadian high commissioner’s demeanor, it is labeled as foreign interference.”
He further criticized the Canadian government for its handling of threats against Indian airlines and diplomats. “They call this freedom of speech. But my question to them is: if you received these threats, would you take them lightly?” Jaishankar remarked.
A Call for Defined Solutions
Despite the ongoing tensions, Jaishankar expressed a desire to maintain people-to-people relations between India and Canada. He stressed the need to clearly define the challenges posed by a segment of Canadian politics that supports Khalistani sentiments. “We need to narrow this down and define this problem for what it is,” he concluded.
The diplomatic situation continues to evolve, with both nations facing pressure to address the underlying issues while navigating their complex relationship.
