EAM Jaishankar condemns Canada’s double standards in diplomatic treatment, highlighting hypocrisy in their claims of free speech.
As diplomatic tensions between India and Canada escalate, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has publicly criticized Canada for what he describes as "inconsistent diplomacy." His comments came during the NDTV World Summit 2024, where he elaborated on the hypocrisy displayed in the treatment of diplomats from both nations.
During the summit, Jaishankar emphasized the contrasting standards that Canada applies to its diplomatic relations. He argued that while Canada champions freedom of speech, it fails to protect Indian diplomats from threats. "When we tell them you have people openly threatening leaders of India, their response is freedom of speech," Jaishankar stated. He contrasted this with the backlash Indian journalists face for commenting on the behavior of Canadian diplomats, pointing to a blatant double standard.
Jaishankar's remarks highlighted a critical issue: the selective interpretation of freedom of speech by Canada. He noted, "If an Indian journalist says the Canadian High Commissioner walked out of South Block looking very grumpy, it is foreign interference." This assertion calls into question the validity of Canada’s claims regarding the protection of free speech and raises concerns about how diplomatic norms are applied inconsistently.
The External Affairs Minister also touched upon the evolving global order, where non-Western nations like India and China are increasingly asserting themselves on the international stage. "There is a rebalancing, a multipolarity… the equations between the West and the non-West are changing," Jaishankar remarked. This shift has led to growing tensions, not just with Canada, but also in broader international relations.
The rift between India and Canada has deepened, especially following allegations of foreign interference. Jaishankar pointed out that while Canada scrutinizes Indian journalists, its diplomats in India freely gather intelligence on Indian military and police personnel. "Canada asked us to subject our High Commissioner to a police inquiry, and we chose to withdraw the High Commissioner and diplomats," he explained, reflecting the growing mistrust between the two nations.
The diplomatic friction has further intensified due to allegations of foreign interference. Jaishankar criticized Canada's concerns about Indian journalists reporting on diplomatic affairs, while Canadian diplomats in India continue to gather intelligence on Indian military and police activities without restraint.
“We’ve seen Canada’s willingness to call for inquiries into our High Commissioner while their diplomats operate freely in our country,” Jaishankar stated, emphasizing India's decision to withdraw their diplomats amid escalating tensions.
Jaishankar's critique of Canada's diplomatic practices underscores a significant moment in India-Canada relations. His remarks not only highlight the hypocrisy in Canada's stance on freedom of speech but also signal a broader shift in international relations as non-Western countries like India assert their positions. As the global landscape continues to evolve, the expectations of diplomatic conduct will likely need to adapt accordingly.
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