In the midst of the continuing diplomatic dispute regarding the death of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed apprehensions about the presence of "organized crime connected to separatist factions, acts of violence, and extremism" in Canada. He further emphasized that these issues have endured partly due to political considerations within Canada. Speaking during a session at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Jaishankar noted that "Canada has experienced a notable upsurge in organized criminal activities associated with separatist movements, coupled with incidents of violence and extremism in recent years."
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#Khalistan, #Jaishankar, #UNGA #CanadaIndia
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00:00 One, we told the Canadians that this is not the government of India's policy.
00:04 Two, we told the Canadians saying that look, if you have something specific, if you have
00:09 something relevant, you know, let us know.
00:13 We are open to looking at it.
00:16 Foreign Minister S.J.
00:17 Shankar addressed the ongoing controversies surrounding the killing of Khalistani terrorist
00:21 Hardeep Singh Nijjar during a council on foreign relations event in New York.
00:26 He emphasized that India had conveyed to Canada its willingness to consider any specific or
00:30 relevant information provided regarding the case.
00:33 S.J.
00:34 Shankar clarified India's position in response to the allegations made by Canadian Prime
00:37 Minister Justin Trudeau, who claimed that Ottawa possessed credible intelligence linking
00:42 Indian agents to the murder.
00:44 India had initially reacted strongly to these allegations, denying any involvement.
00:48 I would like to share with you very frankly what we told the Canadians.
00:56 One we told the Canadians that this is not the government of India's policy.
01:01 Two we told the Canadians saying that look, if you have something specific, if you have
01:06 something relevant, you know, let us know.
01:10 We are open to looking at it.
01:12 So, but to, you know, to understand the context of it, in a way, you know, because the picture
01:19 is not complete without the context in a way, you also have to appreciate, Ken, that in
01:26 the last few years, Canada actually has seen a lot of organized crime, you know, relating
01:37 to, you know, the secessionist forces, organized crime, violence, extremism, they're all very,
01:46 very deeply mixed up.
01:47 So, in fact, we have been, you know, talking about specifics and information.
01:54 We have actually been badgering the Canadians.
01:57 We have given them a lot of information about organized crime leadership, which operates
02:03 out of Canada.
02:06 There are a large number of extradition requests.
02:10 There are terrorist leaders who have been identified.
02:15 So do understand that there is an environment out there.
02:20 So that is important in a way to factor in, if you have to understand what is going on
02:30 out there.
02:31 And our concern is that, you know, it's really been very permissive because of political
02:39 reasons.
02:40 So we have a situation where actually our diplomats are threatened, our consulates have
02:47 been attacked, and, you know, and often comments are made about, you know, there's interference
02:56 in our politics.
02:59 And you know, a lot of this is often justified as saying, well, that's how democracies work.
03:06 >> But if there are specific pieces of evidence that they provide, the government of India
03:10 will cooperate with them in terms of following up?
03:13 >> I mean, look, if somebody gives me something specific, it doesn't have to be restricted
03:17 to Canada.
03:19 But if there's any incident which, you know, is an issue, and somebody gives me something
03:26 specific as a government, I would look at it.
03:27 Of course I would look at it.
03:28 >> When questioned about reports regarding the involvement of the Five Eyes group in
03:33 the intelligence related to a Niger's killing, and the FBI's caution to USC leaders about
03:38 credible threats, Jashankar responded saying he is neither associated with the Five Eyes
03:43 or nor he is affiliated with the FBI.
03:46 Hence, he is not the right person for this question.
03:50 >> My question is just in continuation to the Canada topic that you addressed.
03:57 What would be your response to the latest reports that have come in where it is said
04:02 that intelligence was shared amongst the Five Eyes about the assassination is what they're
04:08 calling it?
04:09 And the other thing is, apparently, the FBI has told U.S. Sikh leaders that there are
04:18 credible threats to them.
04:19 So just wanted your reaction to that.
04:22 >> I'm not part of the Five Eyes.
04:23 I'm certainly not part of the FBI.
04:26 So I think you're asking the wrong person.
04:29 >> India's response so far can be summarized in several key points.
04:34 India has categorically stated that the alleged actions were not reflective of Indian government's
04:39 policies.
04:40 India expressed its willingness to examine any specific or relevant information that
04:44 Canada might possess regarding the case.
04:47 In response to the allegations and the deteriorating security environment, India temporarily suspended
04:53 the issuance of new visas for the Canadians.
04:56 India requested that Canada downsizes its diplomatic presence in the country.
05:01 Jaishankar highlighted the broader context of the situation, mentioning India's concerns
05:05 about organized crime activities and secessionist forces that have found refuge in Canada.
05:11 He also noted India's numerous extradition requests.
05:16 Allies of Canada, including the United States, have expressed concern over the claims and
05:20 urged India to cooperate with Canada's investigation.
05:24 Information related to the case was reportedly shared within the Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance.
05:29 Jaishankar emphasized that India had not received any specific information from the FBI or other
05:33 sources regarding intelligence sharing related to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
05:39 The tensions between India and Canada escalated following Trudeau's allegations, which India
05:44 vehemently rejected as baseless.
05:46 This situation resulted in diplomatic measures, including the expulsions of diplomats and
05:51 the suspension of visa issuance, reflecting the seriousness of the dispute.
05:55 Jaishankar's statement highlights India's commitment to addressing the matter based on
06:00 specific and credible information while emphasizing the broader context of security concerns related
06:06 to organized crime and extremism.
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