'Canadian politics have given lot of space to Khalistani forces, damaging bilateral ties': EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Tuesday said Canadian politics have given a lot of space to Khalistani forces and also allowed them to indulge in activities which that are “damaging” India-Canada relationship.

“The issue at heart is the fact that in Canadian politics, these Khalistani forces have been given a lot of space and have been allowed to indulge in activities which I think are damaging to the relationship, clearly not in India’s interest, and not in Canada’s interest either. But unfortunately, that is the state of their politics,” EAM Jaishankar said in an interview to ANI.

The minister also clarified that the G20 Summit 2023 in New Delhi had no relation to the Khalistani issue in Canada.

“The Khalistan issue is not new. The Khalistan issue has existed for years…I can explain my government, my prime minister, and my book. It’s not for me to speculate on other Prime Ministers,” EAM Jaishankar said.

#WATCH | On India-Canada ties & Khalistani issue, EAM Jaishankar in an interview to ANI says, “…The issue at heart is the fact that in Canadian politics the Khalistani forces have been given a lot of space. And allowed to indulge in activities, which I think are damaging to the… pic.twitter.com/zzcWABgO34

— ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2024

The diplomatic relations between India and Canada have hit a low due to a very vocal pro-Khalistan lobby in Canada threatening Indian diplomats posted in the country, raising concerns about the future of the bilateral partnership.

Trudeau targets India over Khalistani terrorist Nijjar killing

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, in September 2023, made a strong and at the same time stunning allegation in the House of Commons claiming that there was "credible intelligence" linking India's government to the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on 18 June outside his gurdwara in Surrey, B.C.

India outrightly rejected Trudeau's allegations, calling them "absurd and motivated."

The allegations by Trudeau followed Canada's decision to seek a "pause" in the negotiations for an Early Progress Trade Agreement, as confirmed by Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma.

Canada did not give any reason for suspending the talks.

The Khalistan movement is outlawed in India and considered a national security threat by the government; a number of groups associated with the movement are listed as "terrorist organisations" under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

After the diplomatic row, India asked Canada to withdraw 41 of its diplomats from the country to ensure mutual parity in diplomatic presence.

In October, Ottawa complied with New Delhi's demand.

Also, within days after Trudeau's allegations, India temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens.

However in December, 2023, New Delhi resumed some visa services in Canada.

With inputs from ANI