India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, while speaking at the Hudson Institute in Washington D.C., expressed concerns about the safety and intimidation faced by Indian diplomats in Canada. He stated that Indian diplomats are unsafe and publicly intimidated, which has forced him to temporarily suspend visa operations in Canada. These remarks came in response to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations regarding India’s involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist.

According to Jaishankar, Trudeau made these allegations privately and later publicly, but they were not consistent with India’s policy. Jaishankar also mentioned that if the Canadian government had any specific information that they wanted India to look into, India was open to considering it. He further accused Canada of having a permissive attitude towards terrorists and individuals promoting violence, suggesting that the country provides operating space to such elements due to its political considerations.

Furthermore, Jaishankar revealed that he had discussions with the US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the India-Canada row. He stated that they shared the US views and assessments on the situation and expressed hope for a resolution of the issues.

Jaishankar is currently on a visit to the US, where he has been engaging with various leaders and addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York as well. The External Affairs Minister’s remarks underline the growing tensions between India and Canada and raise concerns about the safety and security of Indian diplomats in Canada.