Canada Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly has officially confirmed that she has been, in touch with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, amidst the crisis between the two nations. This is the time public acknowledgment of communication at the level has been made since tensions emerged.
Joly highlighted the enduring strength of Canada-India relations despite challenges. Speaking at a Q&A session in Toronto, she stated, “I have been in contact with Foreign Minister Jaishankar, and we will continue to stay connected.” This acknowledgment holds significance as it publicly recognizes the continuation of level communication on both sides.
The strained relationship between Canada and India partly stems from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement in the September 18th House of Commons session. Trudeau mentioned ” allegations” suggesting a connection between Indian agents and the killing of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18th in Surrey, British Columbia.
Joly aimed to minimize friction by emphasizing that it represents a single moment within a longstanding relationship characterized by strong bonds, between their peoples. She further added, “We stand behind our decision to inform Canadians about allegations concerning the killing of a citizen.”
At its heart, this is, about safeguarding our nation’s independence and the safety of Canadians. As we tackle this issue, we continue to maintain communication, with the Indian Government. Mélanie Joly reiterated Canada’s long-term approach to its relationship with India, affirming her commitment to continued dialogue with her Indian counterpart. She noted that Canada is focused on increasing resilience, forging new alliances, and taking a leadership role in an increasingly fragmented world.
This statement marks a positive step towards resolving the tensions and maintaining open lines of communication between the two nations. The situation continues to evolve, and both countries appear committed to addressing the issues that have strained their relationship recently.
Read More: SC Hears Petitions Challenging Electoral Bonds Case
Check here for the latest updates in Hindi!