S Jaishankar clarifies: US and Canada issues are distinct amid attack plot allegations
Highlighting a differentiation in the accusations, S Jaishankar expressed India's readiness to thoroughly examine specific concerns raised by other nations
New Delhi, December 17: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed recent allegations regarding plots to harm some elements in the United States and Canada, emphasising that the two issues are distinct. He stated that the Americans had provided specific information and that India is open to investigating specific concerns raised by any country.
"If any country, not just Canada, has a concern and gives us some input or some basis for that concern, we are always open to looking at it. This is what countries do," Jaishankar noted during an event in Bengaluru.
He clarified that when the Americans brought up the issue, they provided specific details, and the two issues were not necessarily identical. India has sincerely communicated to Canada that it is their choice whether they would like India to further pursue and investigate the matter.
The United States has requested India's assistance in an investigation into an alleged plot to kill Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Sing Pannun. The US Department of Justice filed an indictment against Nikhil Gupta, accusing an Indian government employee of asking him to hire hitmen to assassinate the pro-Khalistan separatist. In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concern, dissociating itself from the alleged plot and stating it goes against government policy. India has announced a probe into the concerns raised by the United States.
On China, Jaishankar expressed India's desire for better relations and highlighted the complexities with neighbouring countries. He acknowledged challenges with China, particularly regarding border agreements, but stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts even in difficult situations.
"I would suggest to you that the one with Pakistan is actually an exception... I would say each one of our neighbours today actually has a lot of good experiences and a lot of good things to say about India. It's also natural with neighbours that there will be issues of difference. I think we should not expect that all our neighbours will agree with us on all issues every day... In China,...we would certainly like our relationship with China to be better than what it is today. But if things have taken a turn for the more difficult in the last three years, it's not because of us. It is because they have chosen not to observe the agreements on the border. But again, diplomacy is, however difficult your neighbours, however challenging they are, you never give up," Jaishankar added.