Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly Warns Indian Diplomats
In Ottawa, Canada, tensions have risen between Canada and India following the recall of six Indian diplomats from Canada. These diplomats were declared “persons of interest” in the investigation of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has warned the remaining Indian diplomats in Canada to adhere to the law, stating, “They’re clearly on notice.”
Joly emphasized that Canada will not tolerate any diplomats violating the Vienna Convention. Her comments were directed at the 15 Indian diplomats still in the country. The diplomatic row intensified when Canada accused India’s High Commissioner and other diplomats of being involved in Nijjar’s killing. In response, India recalled its High Commissioner and five other diplomats.
India has accused Canada of ignoring extremist elements for political gain. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) accused Indian government agents and diplomats of criminal activities, including coercion and extortion, which India has strongly denied. Joly highlighted the seriousness of the threats, stating that the RCMP’s public announcement was due to credible threats against the South Asian community, particularly Sikhs.
Joly compared the situation to Russia’s transnational repression in Europe, noting that such actions have not been seen in Canada before. India rejected Canada’s claims, calling them “preposterous imputations” and part of a political agenda. India also expelled six Canadian diplomats, condemning the targeting of its diplomats as unacceptable.
Doubts Revealed
Melanie Joly -: Melanie Joly is the Foreign Minister of Canada. A Foreign Minister is a person in the government who is responsible for managing a country’s relationships with other countries.
Diplomatic Tensions -: Diplomatic tensions happen when countries have disagreements or conflicts in their relationships. It can lead to arguments or actions like recalling diplomats or making public statements.
Khalistani terrorist -: A Khalistani terrorist is someone who supports the idea of creating a separate country for Sikhs, called Khalistan, and uses violence to try to achieve this goal. Hardeep Singh Nijjar was accused of being involved in such activities.
Vienna Convention -: The Vienna Convention is a set of rules that countries agree to follow about how diplomats should behave and be treated. It helps ensure that diplomats can do their jobs safely and fairly.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police -: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, often called the Mounties, is the national police force of Canada. They help keep people safe and enforce the law across the country.