S Jaishankar criticizes Canada attacking ambassador: more sensible policy needed

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday criticized Canada for what he called an unwarranted attack on Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and other diplomats.

Speaking at an event in Pune, Jaishankar underscored India’s emphasis on national integrity and sovereignty, calling on Canadian authorities to take a “smarter, more sober, more responsible” approach.

Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada reached a new high last week after Canadian authorities named Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Verma and several other diplomats as “persons of interest” in the investigation into the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijar.

Jaishankar criticized the Indian diplomat from the government led by Justin Trudeau.

“We completely reject the way the Canadian government has targeted our high commissioner and diplomats,” Jaishankar said. He clarified that India had repeatedly raised concerns about organized crime in Canada, which he said had been ignored because of what he called an “atmosphere of permissiveness for a long time.”

India responded to Canada’s actions by recalling Verma and five other diplomats and expelling six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi. Diplomatic tensions further escalated when Ottawa hinted at possible sanctions, which Jaishankar dismissed as baseless and harmful.

Reflecting on the political climate in Canada, Jaishankar observed that a “small minority” had gained a greater “political voice” thanks to favorable conditions.

“Unfortunately, the politics of this country gives this political lobby … a level of play that I think is not only bad for us and our relationship. I would say that this is bad for Canada itself,” he noted.

Jaishankar also touched upon India’s diplomatic influence around the world, particularly regarding the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. “How many countries in the world had the opportunity to visit Moscow and meet with Vladimir Putin, as well as visit Ukraine to meet with (President Volodymyr) Zelensky? The world thinks that India has this capability,” he said.

Jaishankar highlighted India’s role in building international alliances, noting that during its presidency of the G20, the African Union was welcomed as a member of the G20.

(With data from PTI)