Lashing out at Canada once again, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted examples of threats, assault, and intimidation against Indian diplomats and posts in Canada and questioned if the response would have been the same if a comparable circumstance had occurred in any other nation.The statement by Jaishankar comes as Canadian PM Justin Trudeau alleged that the Indian government would be involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, India has outrightly rejected the claims, calling it absurd and motivated.Addressing a press conference in Washington DC on Friday, Jaishankar said, “…Our point is that there is today a climate of violence, an atmosphere of intimidation…Just think about it. We have had smoke bombs thrown at the mission. We have had our consulates…violence in front of them. Individuals have been targeted and intimidated. There are posters put up about people”.“So tell me, do you consider this normal Okay, this is about this…if this had happened to any other country, how would they react to it I think it is reasonable question to ask,” he added.#WATCH | Washington, DC: On India-Canada row, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, No incident is isolated and no incident is the totality. There is a context for everything and there are multiple problems out there…But there is a larger issue…I think the larger issue should be… pic.twitter.com/hSuuf8nOvl— ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2023“Lets not normalize what is happening in Canada. What is happening in Canada, had it happened anywhere else, had the world taken it with equinamity…had those countries taken it so calmly So I think its necessary to call out what is happening there,” Jaishankar said.He also highlighted that the ongoing situation in Canada should not be regarded as normal, and it is crucial to draw attention to what is happening there.Ongoing problem with Canada for some years now: JaishankarWhile speaking at the press conference, he further added, “Well, I dont know if I would use the term deadlock…The issue is as follows: The Canadians have made some allegations. We have pointed out to them that this is not the Government of Indias policy and if they are prepared to share with us specifics and anything relevant, we are also open to looking at it. So in that sense, thats where the matter stands”.#WATCH | Washington, DC: On India-Canada row, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, Well, I dont know if I would use the term deadlock…The issue is as follows: The Canadians have made some allegations. We have pointed out to them that this is not the Government of Indias policy and if… pic.twitter.com/jGyepv6Z9K— ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2023Notably, Canada has not provided any evidence in Nijjars killing.Freedom of speech doesnt extend to incitement to violence: Jaishankar attacks CanadaHe made a sharp attack on Canada, stating that inciting violence is not a form of free speech and that India does not need to learn about it from other countries, seemingly referring to Canada. He also added that India does not need any lessons on the concept of freedom of speech.
