Canada Initiates Private Diplomatic Discussions with India Amidst Growing Tensions

Melanie Joly, Canada's foreign minister, indicated a strong desire for private talks to end the continuing diplomatic tension with India. This disagreement stemmed from suspicions surrounding the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader and Canadian citizen. Joly's statement came in response to India's request for Canada to withdraw 41 diplomats from its soil.

Source: https://in.mashable.com/

Melanie Joly, Canada's foreign minister, indicated a strong desire for private talks to end the continuing diplomatic tension with India. This disagreement stemmed from suspicions surrounding the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader and Canadian citizen. Joly's statement came in response to India's request for Canada to withdraw 41diplomats from its soil.

According to reports from the Financial Times, India has set a deadline of October 10 for the repatriation of these diplomats. However, both Joly and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refrained from confirming the accuracy of this report.

In her address to reporters, Joly emphasized the paramount importance of Canadian diplomats' safety. She affirmed their commitment to engaging privately in diplomatic dialogues, asserting that privacy enhances the effectiveness of such conversations.

Also Read: Japan's Currency Official Evades Confirmation On Yen Intervention Amid Volatility

The relationship between Canada and India has significantly deteriorated due to Canadian suspicions linking Indian government agents to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whom India had previously labeled as a "terrorist." India has vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing them as baseless.

The Financial Times also reported that India has threatened to revoke diplomatic immunity for the 41 diplomats if they remain in India beyond the October 10 deadline. Currently, Canada maintains a diplomatic presence of 62 diplomats in India.

As tensions escalate, India has taken actions such as suspending new visas for Canadians since September 22 and urging Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic representation within the country. Prime Minister Trudeau, while acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, underscored Canada's commitment to engaging responsibly and constructively with the Indian government, emphasizing their intent to avoid further escalation.

Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa has refrained from responding to calls and emails seeking comment on the matter. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar previously voiced concerns over a "climate of violence" and an "atmosphere of intimidation" against Indian diplomats in Canada, particularly highlighting the presence of Sikh separatist groups that have raised apprehensions in New Delhi.