The News Freedom
Chandigarh, October 31
Canada’s Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly, has confirmed that she has been in contact with India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, during the ongoing crisis in the relationship between the two countries, The Hindustan Times reported. “This is the first acknowledgement of ministerial contacts since the friction began. Joly attempted to downplay the situation, stating that the relationship between Canada and India is built on strong connections and that they remain engaged with the Indian government,” The Hindustan Times report further said.
Canada had withdrawn 41 diplomats from India amid a dispute over the murder of a Canada-based slain pro-Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India slammed Canada’s remarks on withdrawing 41 diplomats, stressing that “India rejects any attempt to portray the implementation of parity as a violation of international norms” on October 20.
Later on October 22, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said that the India-Canada relations are going through a “difficult phase”. “India had to stop issuing visas in Canada because it wasn’t safe for the Indian diplomats to work there amid continuous threats and extremism. The clause of parity is very much provided for by the Vienna Convention and India had to invoke it, because of the “continuous interference” in domestic affairs by Canadian personnel. India would like to resume visa services if the working conditions for Indian diplomats improved in Canada.” Dr. Jaishankar had said.