US President Joe Biden faced criticism from around the world after he referred to Japan and India as ‘xenophobic’ and grouped India and Japan together with Russia and China as countries that ‘don’t want immigrants’. In response to these claims of xenophobia and concerns about the Indian economy, EAM S Jaishankar addressed these issues during the ET Roundtable on May 5, 2024.
Tag: S Jaishankar
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EAM Jaishankar reveals how PM Modi convinced him to join politics: ‘Personally it was a surprise…’ – The Economic Times Video
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on March 5 revealed how he left his “well-paying corporate job” and Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked him to join the government. “Personally it was a surprise, I never even thought about it, but, one of the reasons I never thought about it was that nobody in my family even remotely thought about it,” said EAM Jaishankar while interacting with Indian community in Seoul.
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‘Normal Relations With China Not Possible If…’: S Jaishankar Talks Tough On Border Issues |
NEW DELHI: In a candid revelation on the strained relations between India and China, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on Saturday emphasized that the resolution of border issues is paramount for the restoration of normalcy in diplomatic ties.
‘Border Solution Essential For Normal Relations’
EAM Jaishankar, addressing the complexities surrounding India-China relations, stated, “I have explained to my Chinese counterpart that unless you find a solution on the border, if the forces will remain face-to-face and there will be tension, then you should not expect that the rest of the relations will go on in a normal manner, it is impossible.”
#WATCH | On India & China relations, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, “…I have explained to my Chinese counterpart that unless you find a solution on the border, if the forces will remain face-to-face and there will be tension, then you should not expect that the rest of the relations… pic.twitter.com/ej06WcCdzz
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2024
Deterioration In India-China Ties Over The Past Three Years
Expressing a desire for improved relations with China, Jaishankar highlighted the unfortunate turn of events over the last three years, attributing the strain to China’s failure to uphold agreements at the border. He asserted, “We would certainly like our relation with China to be better than what it is today, but things have taken a turn for the worse in the last 3 years, not because of us. They have chosen not to observe the agreements at the border.”
Jaishankar pointed out the disregard for mutual agreements in 2020, emphasizing that the foundational principles of the relationship were not adhered to. He stated, “In 2020, agreements were disregarded; mutuality at which this relationship is predicated has not been followed.”
India’s Changing Global Role
Asserting India’s growing influence on the world stage, Jaishankar emphasized that no major global issue is decided without New Delhi’s consultation. He highlighted India’s transformation, becoming the fifth-largest economy and underlining the nation’s evolving global perception.
Addressing concerns about India’s participation in groups with conflicting interests, Jaishankar emphasized India’s independence and the need to manage its interests by engaging with diverse nations. He stated, “Our nature is to be independent. We cannot and we should not be part of somebody else’s subsidiary or enterprise.”
Quad And BRICS: Balancing Conflicting Interests
Discussing India’s involvement in Quad and BRICS, Jaishankar explained that India, being a 5000-year-old civilization, must navigate its interests independently. Quad aims to secure a rules-based global order, while BRICS focuses on enhancing economic cooperation among member nations.
Transformative Decade For India
Jaishankar reflected on the transformative decade for India, highlighting the country’s rapid development in infrastructure, education, and digitalization. He underscored the world’s increasing interest in India, citing the rise in talent and attracting substantial foreign investments.
Looking Ahead: The Next 25 Years
In conclusion, Jaishankar echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Amrit Kaal’ and envisioned the current decade as the foundation for the next 25 years of India’s growth and global influence.
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India-Russia Trade Surpasses USD 50 Bn: Jaishankar Highlights Progress, Key Sector Cooperation | India News
New Delhi: During a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the substantial advancement in bilateral trade between India and Russia, exceeding USD 50 billion. Jaishankar underlined the potential for continued growth and stressed the importance of fostering a more sustainable character in the trade relationship.
“I would like to highlight the progress we have and trade, which is in excess of a turnover of USD 50 million, and we believe that this is something whose potential is now only beginning to be visible. It is important that we give it a more sustainable character, and we discussed how we should do that,” said Jaishankar.
Covering pivotal areas of collaboration, the External Affairs Minister (EAM) delved into discussions on the nuclear sector, emphasizing the signing of vital agreements linked to the Kudankulam project. He disclosed the completion of a significant accord pertaining to nuclear fuel supply, signaling progress in India-Russia cooperation within the nuclear domain.
Honored to call on President Vladimir Putin this evening. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and handed over a personal message.
Appraised President Putin of my discussions with Ministers Manturov and Lavrov. Appreciated his guidance on the further developments of… pic.twitter.com/iuC944fYHq — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 27, 2023
“The second aspect pertains to the nuclear side and we signed agreements yesterday that would take the Kudakulam project forward. And also, we have finalized a very significant agreement on nuclear fuel supply,” he added.
During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal greetings to President Putin. He mentioned that PM Modi had sent a letter expressing thoughts on the state of cooperation and recent progress.
“Please allow me to convey the personal greetings of Prime Minister Modi and he has also, through me, sent a letter to you, a letter expressing his thoughts about, the state of our cooperation and the progress that we have made in recent days. And I will have the honor to give you the letter,” said Jaishankar.
“Certainly, he (PM Modi) looks forward to visiting Russia next year. And I’m sure that we will find a date that is mutually convenient from the political calendars of both countries,” the EAM said, responding to President Putin’s invitation to PM Modi.
Jaishankar took the opportunity to update President Putin on the progress made over the last two days, including discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
A wide ranging and useful meeting with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia.
As strategic partners, discussed the international situation and contemporary issues. Exchanged views on Indo-Pacific, the Ukraine conflict, the Gaza situation, Afghanistan and Central Asia, BRICS, SCO, G20 and… pic.twitter.com/Uk9VTbZm5y — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 27, 2023
“I would also, extensively, like to take the opportunity to share with you aspects of the progress that we have made and in the last 2 days, I had a chance to discuss it with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and today with Lavrov,” the EAM said.
Following his meeting with the Russian President, Jaishankar took to his social media handle on X and said that he appreciated Putin’s guidance on the further developments of India-Russia ties.
“Honored to call on President Vladimir Putin this evening. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM Narendra Modi and handed over a personal message. Appraised President Putin of my discussions with Ministers Manturov and Lavrov. Appreciated his guidance on the further developments of our ties,” the EAM posted on
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EAM Jaishankar calls on SCO nations to strictly adhere to international law, respecting sovereignty
By PTI
BISHKEK: India on Thursday said that the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) should work together to promote stability and prosperity in the region by strictly adhering to the principles of international law, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other and encouraging economic cooperation, in an apparent dig at China.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the remarks here in his address to the 22nd session of the Council of Heads of Government of SCO, which was attended by representatives from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Iran, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
“SCO should work together to promote stability and prosperity in the region by strictly adhering to the principles of international law, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other and encouraging economic cooperation,” he said.
In this context, the centrality of the interests of Central Asian states plays a key role, he said, adding that India is keen to partner with member states for sustainable, mutually beneficial and financially viable solutions as it strives to improve trade within the region.
“We need robust connectivity and infrastructure. India has accorded utmost priority to these domains in its own developmental journey. At the same time, connectivity initiatives should always respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” he added.
Beijing is investing billions of dollars in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan. India has protested to China over the economic corridor – the flagship project of the BRI – as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Jaishankar said India shares deep civilisational ties with the people of the SCO region.
Currently, the SCO countries include India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
“The continuous movement of goods, ideas and people traversing the region has left indelible imprints on our customs, traditions, language and cuisine. These historical relationships should now create a template for greater economic cooperation,” he said.
“To improve trade within the region, we need robust connectivity and infrastructure. Such initiatives should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” he said.
“The Global South should not be saddled with unviable debt arising from opaque initiatives,” Jaishankar said, in another jibe at China, which is accused of launching unviable infrastructure projects in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, saddling those countries with debts.
At the same time, Jaishankar said that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) could become enablers in bringing economic prosperity to the region.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which many see as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, was jointly announced by the leaders of the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the sidelines of the G20 summit in September.
The International North-South Transport Corridor is a 7,200-km long multi-mode network of ship, rail, and road routes for moving freight between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.
The Global South refers to countries often characterised as developing, less developed, or underdeveloped, primarily located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Beijing was the lender of choice for many nations over the past decade. Many borrowed heavily from China. There have been global concerns over debt traps and regional hegemony by China using its ambitious BRI infrastructure projects.
China is doling out huge sums of money for infrastructure projects in countries from Asia to Africa and Europe. The US’ previous Donald Trump administration had been extremely critical of the BRI and was of the view that China’s “predatory financing” is leaving smaller countries under huge debt endangering their sovereignty.
During its SCO presidency, Jaishankar said, India focused on five new verticals of cooperation- Startups and Innovation, Traditional Medicine, Science and Technology, Youth Empowerment and Shared Buddhist Heritage. The response received highlighted the relevance of the chosen themes.
“We adopted a Statement on Cooperation in Digital Transformation and we have also institutionalized a Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation. India is also hosting SCO Startup Forum on a regular basis,” he said.
He said that the world is facing challenges of a looming economic recession, broken supply chains, food and energy insecurity and this calls for closer cooperation within the SCO in this context.
Noting that climate change is one of the serious challenges facing humanity, he said India has pioneered along with partners Global Initiatives contributing to climate action.
“This includes the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient infrastructure, the infrastructure for resilient island states and the leadership group on industry transition,” he added.
“India has also launched mission life to bring individual behavioural change to the forefront of global climate action. With a narrative defined by mindful and deliberate utilisation of resources, we have only earth with one shared future therefore we hope that the fight against climate change will unite the world as one family,” he added.
He said India was committed to tackling the challenge of energy security.
“We ranked fourth in wind, energy and solar energy. Our government has taken various measures to increase the use of alternate fuel through the National Hydrogen Mission. We are moving towards an environmentally friendly energy source. It will help India and all our partners to achieve the goal of net zero carbon emissions,” he said.
Underlining that food security continues to be a challenge in many parts of the world, he said India believes in harnessing the power of millets as one possible means to ensure global food security. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
BISHKEK: India on Thursday said that the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) should work together to promote stability and prosperity in the region by strictly adhering to the principles of international law, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other and encouraging economic cooperation, in an apparent dig at China.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the remarks here in his address to the 22nd session of the Council of Heads of Government of SCO, which was attended by representatives from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Iran, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
“SCO should work together to promote stability and prosperity in the region by strictly adhering to the principles of international law, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other and encouraging economic cooperation,” he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });
In this context, the centrality of the interests of Central Asian states plays a key role, he said, adding that India is keen to partner with member states for sustainable, mutually beneficial and financially viable solutions as it strives to improve trade within the region.
“We need robust connectivity and infrastructure. India has accorded utmost priority to these domains in its own developmental journey. At the same time, connectivity initiatives should always respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” he added.
Beijing is investing billions of dollars in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan. India has protested to China over the economic corridor – the flagship project of the BRI – as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Jaishankar said India shares deep civilisational ties with the people of the SCO region.
Currently, the SCO countries include India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
“The continuous movement of goods, ideas and people traversing the region has left indelible imprints on our customs, traditions, language and cuisine. These historical relationships should now create a template for greater economic cooperation,” he said.
“To improve trade within the region, we need robust connectivity and infrastructure. Such initiatives should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” he said.
“The Global South should not be saddled with unviable debt arising from opaque initiatives,” Jaishankar said, in another jibe at China, which is accused of launching unviable infrastructure projects in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, saddling those countries with debts.
At the same time, Jaishankar said that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) could become enablers in bringing economic prosperity to the region.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which many see as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, was jointly announced by the leaders of the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the sidelines of the G20 summit in September.
The International North-South Transport Corridor is a 7,200-km long multi-mode network of ship, rail, and road routes for moving freight between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.
The Global South refers to countries often characterised as developing, less developed, or underdeveloped, primarily located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Beijing was the lender of choice for many nations over the past decade. Many borrowed heavily from China. There have been global concerns over debt traps and regional hegemony by China using its ambitious BRI infrastructure projects.
China is doling out huge sums of money for infrastructure projects in countries from Asia to Africa and Europe. The US’ previous Donald Trump administration had been extremely critical of the BRI and was of the view that China’s “predatory financing” is leaving smaller countries under huge debt endangering their sovereignty.
During its SCO presidency, Jaishankar said, India focused on five new verticals of cooperation- Startups and Innovation, Traditional Medicine, Science and Technology, Youth Empowerment and Shared Buddhist Heritage. The response received highlighted the relevance of the chosen themes.
“We adopted a Statement on Cooperation in Digital Transformation and we have also institutionalized a Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation. India is also hosting SCO Startup Forum on a regular basis,” he said.
He said that the world is facing challenges of a looming economic recession, broken supply chains, food and energy insecurity and this calls for closer cooperation within the SCO in this context.
Noting that climate change is one of the serious challenges facing humanity, he said India has pioneered along with partners Global Initiatives contributing to climate action.
“This includes the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient infrastructure, the infrastructure for resilient island states and the leadership group on industry transition,” he added.
“India has also launched mission life to bring individual behavioural change to the forefront of global climate action. With a narrative defined by mindful and deliberate utilisation of resources, we have only earth with one shared future therefore we hope that the fight against climate change will unite the world as one family,” he added.
He said India was committed to tackling the challenge of energy security.
“We ranked fourth in wind, energy and solar energy. Our government has taken various measures to increase the use of alternate fuel through the National Hydrogen Mission. We are moving towards an environmentally friendly energy source. It will help India and all our partners to achieve the goal of net zero carbon emissions,” he said.
Underlining that food security continues to be a challenge in many parts of the world, he said India believes in harnessing the power of millets as one possible means to ensure global food security. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hints at possible resumption of visa services for Canadians
Express News Service
NEW DELHI: India is reviewing the security system in Canada, which led to the suspension of visa services for Canadians. This indicates a possible resumption of visa services, that were suspended nearly a month back (September 21st).
Canada had temporarily suspended visa and in-person consular services in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. On October 19, Canada also updated its travel advisory for India, noting the presence of calls for protests and an adverse sentiment towards Canada in both traditional media and social media platforms.
All these follow a row triggered by Ottawa’s claim that it has “credible allegations” linking agents of New Delhi to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan Sikh terrorist.
Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave on Sunday, External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar said that the main reason for the suspension of visa services to Canadians was “because of the security threat that our diplomats face in Canada.”
“In such a situation,” he added, “it would not be possible for diplomats to reach the mission to issue visas. However, we are reviewing the security situation now and depending on the progress we would like to resume visa issuances to Canadians and it should happen very soon.”
Meanwhile, putting speculation to rest on whether this statement was an outcome of Five Eyes being in sync with Canada, Former Ambassador PS Raghavan said that this indicated that Canada had given India assurances on security.
“The hint from Dr Jaishankar that there could be an improvement in security conditions, leading to a restoration of visa services, may mean that some quiet discussions have taken place about credible assurance from Canada on security cover for our diplomats in that country,” Former Ambassador PS Raghavan told The New Indian Express.
The security concerns that Indian diplomats have faced in Canada are genuine. Indian diplomats posted in Canada have faced several problems in the past too from Khalistani supporters, a source claimed.
Dr Jaishankar said that India was tracking the safety concerns of the Indian diplomats in Canada and there was optimism that they would soon be able to resume duty which would lead to the resuming of visa and consular services.
He also reiterated that according to the Vienna Convention, diplomats should get security from the host country.
Regarding the downsizing of diplomatic strength of the Canadians in India, in a bid to seek parity, Dr Jaishankar said this move was completely in sync with Vienna Convention.
“I would also like to say that one major reason for seeking diplomatic parity was that Canadian diplomats in India were continuously interfering in our internal affairs – which we have not yet made public. We had discomfort with many of them, and soon people will realise why we had discomfort with many of them,’’ said Dr Jaishankar.
The minister also pointed out that the relationship between India and Canada was going through a difficult phase.
“The problem that we have is from a certain segment of Canadians and the policies that flow from it. I want people to understand in a sense the extent of the issue,’’ he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
NEW DELHI: India is reviewing the security system in Canada, which led to the suspension of visa services for Canadians. This indicates a possible resumption of visa services, that were suspended nearly a month back (September 21st).
Canada had temporarily suspended visa and in-person consular services in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. On October 19, Canada also updated its travel advisory for India, noting the presence of calls for protests and an adverse sentiment towards Canada in both traditional media and social media platforms.
All these follow a row triggered by Ottawa’s claim that it has “credible allegations” linking agents of New Delhi to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan Sikh terrorist. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave on Sunday, External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar said that the main reason for the suspension of visa services to Canadians was “because of the security threat that our diplomats face in Canada.”
“In such a situation,” he added, “it would not be possible for diplomats to reach the mission to issue visas. However, we are reviewing the security situation now and depending on the progress we would like to resume visa issuances to Canadians and it should happen very soon.”
Meanwhile, putting speculation to rest on whether this statement was an outcome of Five Eyes being in sync with Canada, Former Ambassador PS Raghavan said that this indicated that Canada had given India assurances on security.
“The hint from Dr Jaishankar that there could be an improvement in security conditions, leading to a restoration of visa services, may mean that some quiet discussions have taken place about credible assurance from Canada on security cover for our diplomats in that country,” Former Ambassador PS Raghavan told The New Indian Express.
The security concerns that Indian diplomats have faced in Canada are genuine. Indian diplomats posted in Canada have faced several problems in the past too from Khalistani supporters, a source claimed.
Dr Jaishankar said that India was tracking the safety concerns of the Indian diplomats in Canada and there was optimism that they would soon be able to resume duty which would lead to the resuming of visa and consular services.
He also reiterated that according to the Vienna Convention, diplomats should get security from the host country.
Regarding the downsizing of diplomatic strength of the Canadians in India, in a bid to seek parity, Dr Jaishankar said this move was completely in sync with Vienna Convention.
“I would also like to say that one major reason for seeking diplomatic parity was that Canadian diplomats in India were continuously interfering in our internal affairs – which we have not yet made public. We had discomfort with many of them, and soon people will realise why we had discomfort with many of them,’’ said Dr Jaishankar.
The minister also pointed out that the relationship between India and Canada was going through a difficult phase.
“The problem that we have is from a certain segment of Canadians and the policies that flow from it. I want people to understand in a sense the extent of the issue,’’ he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
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India-Canada relations going through difficult phase: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
By PTI
NEW DELHI: India invoked the provision of parity in Canada’s diplomatic presence in the country in view of concerns over interference in New Delhi’s affairs by Canadian personnel, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday.
The external affairs minister also said that India is likely to resume issuance of visas to Canadians if it sees progress in the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada.
The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations last month of “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
Days after Trudeau’s allegations, India announced temporarily suspending issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country.
“If we see progress in safety of our diplomats in Canada, we would like to resume issuance of visas there,” Jaishankar said at an event while replying to a question on India-Canada ties.
On downsizing Canada’s diplomatic presence in India, he said diplomatic parity is very much provided for in the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
“Parity is very much provided for by the Vienna Convention, which is the relevant international rule on this. In our case, we invoked parity because we had concerns about continuous interference in our affairs by Canadian personnel,” Jaishankar said.
Canada has already withdrawn 41 of its diplomats from India.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, announcing the return of the diplomats from India, on Thursday described New Delhi’s action as “contrary to international law,” and in violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
India has already rejected the charge.
Jaishankar said the relationship between India and Canada right now is going through a difficult phase, adding that India has problems with certain segments of Canadian politics. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
NEW DELHI: India invoked the provision of parity in Canada’s diplomatic presence in the country in view of concerns over interference in New Delhi’s affairs by Canadian personnel, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday.
The external affairs minister also said that India is likely to resume issuance of visas to Canadians if it sees progress in the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada.
The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations last month of “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
Days after Trudeau’s allegations, India announced temporarily suspending issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country.
“If we see progress in safety of our diplomats in Canada, we would like to resume issuance of visas there,” Jaishankar said at an event while replying to a question on India-Canada ties.
On downsizing Canada’s diplomatic presence in India, he said diplomatic parity is very much provided for in the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
“Parity is very much provided for by the Vienna Convention, which is the relevant international rule on this. In our case, we invoked parity because we had concerns about continuous interference in our affairs by Canadian personnel,” Jaishankar said.
Canada has already withdrawn 41 of its diplomats from India.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, announcing the return of the diplomats from India, on Thursday described New Delhi’s action as “contrary to international law,” and in violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
India has already rejected the charge.
Jaishankar said the relationship between India and Canada right now is going through a difficult phase, adding that India has problems with certain segments of Canadian politics. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
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India launches ‘Operation Ajay’ to bring home citizens trapped in war-hit Israel
By Online Desk
India on Wednesday launched ‘Operation Ajay’ to help bring home Indian citizens trapped in Israel.
“Launching #OperationAjay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return. Special charter flights and other arrangements being put in place. Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a message posted on platform X.
Assuring our students of all assistance. First Secretary Vishal met some of our students at Tel Aviv University (TAU) today to allay their concerns. pic.twitter.com/FZ9REvcEEl
— India in Israel (@indemtel) October 11, 2023
The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv said that it has emailed the first lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight on Thursday. “Messages to other registered people will follow for subsequent flights,” it said.ALSO READ | Indian Embassy sets up 24-hour helpline amid Israel-Hamas war, asks Indian nationals to stay vigilant
The Indian Embassy in Israel has also set up a 24-hour helpline desk for the citizens stranded there and has asked them to follow the security advisories. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
India on Wednesday launched ‘Operation Ajay’ to help bring home Indian citizens trapped in Israel.
“Launching #OperationAjay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return. Special charter flights and other arrangements being put in place. Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a message posted on platform X.
googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
Assuring our students of all assistance. First Secretary Vishal met some of our students at Tel Aviv University (TAU) today to allay their concerns. pic.twitter.com/FZ9REvcEEl
— India in Israel (@indemtel) October 11, 2023
The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv said that it has emailed the first lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight on Thursday. “Messages to other registered people will follow for subsequent flights,” it said.ALSO READ | Indian Embassy sets up 24-hour helpline amid Israel-Hamas war, asks Indian nationals to stay vigilant
The Indian Embassy in Israel has also set up a 24-hour helpline desk for the citizens stranded there and has asked them to follow the security advisories.
Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp -
Threat to diplomats in Canada a major factor in stopping visa services, says Jaishankar
Express News Service
NEW DELHI: The threat to India’s diplomats in Canada and the risk involved in their going to consulate offices was one of the reasons to stop visa services for Canadians, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday.
“We were left with no choice but to stop visa services for Canada. There was a campaign targeting our diplomats who felt unsafe travelling to the consulates. Thereby we had to stop. This was a law and order issue. Under the Vienna Convention, our missions and diplomats had to be provided with a safe cover,” said Jaishankar during a presser in Washington.
Jaishankar, who had mentioned that Canada was discussed during his interaction with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, said that there was a difference of perception in the way the US and India looked at Canada.
“When Americans look at Canada they see something, we in India see something else. It is important to talk it out. The US is close to Canada and a good friend of ours. They have our point of view, we have taken a reasonable stance,” he added.
ALSO READ | India ready to look into information related to Canada’s allegations on Nijjar’s killing: Jaishankar
India is a democracy and doesn’t need to learn from others what freedom of speech is, he said.
“We don’t think freedom of speech extends to incitement of violence. This is misuse of freedom,” Jaishankar said.
There is a climate of intimidation, with smoke bombs having been thrown at India’s missions and posters inciting violence put up, which isn’t normal, he noted.
“The fact is that we have an ongoing problem with Canada which revolves around permissiveness on terrorism and extremism. Our important extradition requests haven’t been considered. Individuals, organisations and illegal activities continue in Canada,” he added.
NEW DELHI: The threat to India’s diplomats in Canada and the risk involved in their going to consulate offices was one of the reasons to stop visa services for Canadians, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday.
“We were left with no choice but to stop visa services for Canada. There was a campaign targeting our diplomats who felt unsafe travelling to the consulates. Thereby we had to stop. This was a law and order issue. Under the Vienna Convention, our missions and diplomats had to be provided with a safe cover,” said Jaishankar during a presser in Washington.
Jaishankar, who had mentioned that Canada was discussed during his interaction with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, said that there was a difference of perception in the way the US and India looked at Canada.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
“When Americans look at Canada they see something, we in India see something else. It is important to talk it out. The US is close to Canada and a good friend of ours. They have our point of view, we have taken a reasonable stance,” he added.
ALSO READ | India ready to look into information related to Canada’s allegations on Nijjar’s killing: Jaishankar
India is a democracy and doesn’t need to learn from others what freedom of speech is, he said.
“We don’t think freedom of speech extends to incitement of violence. This is misuse of freedom,” Jaishankar said.
There is a climate of intimidation, with smoke bombs having been thrown at India’s missions and posters inciting violence put up, which isn’t normal, he noted.
“The fact is that we have an ongoing problem with Canada which revolves around permissiveness on terrorism and extremism. Our important extradition requests haven’t been considered. Individuals, organisations and illegal activities continue in Canada,” he added.
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EAM Jaishankar to meet US Secretary Blinken amid India-Canada diplomatic row
By PTI
WASHINGTON: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken here on Thursday, amid the diplomatic rumpus between India and Canada stirred over the killing of a Khalistani separatist.
Although officials from both sides are tightlipped about the agenda of the meeting, the latest diplomatic crisis between two of America’s friends, its traditional ally Canada and India, is expected to come up prominently during the talks.
“I don’t want to preview the conversations he (Blinken) will have in that meeting (with Jaishankar), but as we’ve made clear, we’ve raised this; we have engaged with our Indian counterparts on this and encouraged them to cooperate with the Canadian investigation, and we continue to encourage them to cooperate,” State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters.
Miller was responding to questions about the meeting between Jaishankar and Blinken at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department here on Thursday afternoon (which is about mid-night local India time). The two leaders are expected to pose for pictures ahead of the meeting and are not expected to take any questions from the media.
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While the meeting between the two top diplomats was scheduled much before the Canadian crisis broke out, the US has been urging India to cooperate in the Canadian investigation into the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia early this year.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has alleged that the Indian government was behind the killing of Nijjar, 45, outside a gurdwara in Surrey in British Columbia on June 18.
India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020.
India has rejected the allegations as “absurd” and “motivated” and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official.
India has also asked Canada to crack down on terrorists and anti-India elements operating from its soil and suspended visa services for Canadians.
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Miller said that the issue did not come up for discussion in New York during the Quad ministerial that involved foreign ministers of the US, India, Japan and Australia.
“It was a meeting of a number of countries and it did not come up in that meeting. But we have engaged with our Indian counterparts on this issue and urged them to fully cooperate with the Canadian investigation,” the State Department spokesperson said.
Jaishankar arrived in the American capital from New York after attending the annual General Assembly meetings of the United Nations on Tuesday.
In addition to his meeting with Blinken, the external affairs minister is expected to have a series of meetings with senior officials of the Biden administration, review the progress made between the two countries after the historic State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June and talk about other regional and global issues.
The minister is also expected to engage with the diaspora and think-tank community and interact with leaders from the corporate sector.
WASHINGTON: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken here on Thursday, amid the diplomatic rumpus between India and Canada stirred over the killing of a Khalistani separatist.
Although officials from both sides are tightlipped about the agenda of the meeting, the latest diplomatic crisis between two of America’s friends, its traditional ally Canada and India, is expected to come up prominently during the talks.
“I don’t want to preview the conversations he (Blinken) will have in that meeting (with Jaishankar), but as we’ve made clear, we’ve raised this; we have engaged with our Indian counterparts on this and encouraged them to cooperate with the Canadian investigation, and we continue to encourage them to cooperate,” State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
Miller was responding to questions about the meeting between Jaishankar and Blinken at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department here on Thursday afternoon (which is about mid-night local India time). The two leaders are expected to pose for pictures ahead of the meeting and are not expected to take any questions from the media.
ALSO READ | US ‘deeply concerned’ by Trudeau’s allegations against India: Blinken
While the meeting between the two top diplomats was scheduled much before the Canadian crisis broke out, the US has been urging India to cooperate in the Canadian investigation into the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia early this year.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has alleged that the Indian government was behind the killing of Nijjar, 45, outside a gurdwara in Surrey in British Columbia on June 18.
India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020.
India has rejected the allegations as “absurd” and “motivated” and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official.
India has also asked Canada to crack down on terrorists and anti-India elements operating from its soil and suspended visa services for Canadians.
OPINION | The Canadistan conundrum: Whose hand is it anyway?
Miller said that the issue did not come up for discussion in New York during the Quad ministerial that involved foreign ministers of the US, India, Japan and Australia.
“It was a meeting of a number of countries and it did not come up in that meeting. But we have engaged with our Indian counterparts on this issue and urged them to fully cooperate with the Canadian investigation,” the State Department spokesperson said.
Jaishankar arrived in the American capital from New York after attending the annual General Assembly meetings of the United Nations on Tuesday.
In addition to his meeting with Blinken, the external affairs minister is expected to have a series of meetings with senior officials of the Biden administration, review the progress made between the two countries after the historic State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June and talk about other regional and global issues.
The minister is also expected to engage with the diaspora and think-tank community and interact with leaders from the corporate sector.