Jaishankar calls for diplomacy in addressing India-Canada row over khalistani leader's killing

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving the diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, stemming from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September regarding the potential involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Jaishankar highlighted the need to strike a balance between sovereignty, sensitivity, and the right to freedom of speech and expression, cautioning against the propagation of separatism and extremism under the guise of these fundamental rights. Both nations have taken reciprocal diplomatic actions, including the expulsion of senior diplomats and the suspension of visa services, escalating tensions between the two countries.

Jaishankar underscored the importance of finding a middle ground in the diplomatic impasse, acknowledging the necessity of addressing each other's concerns while avoiding dismissiveness and safeguarding respective sensitivities. With an emphasis on the principles of sovereignty and diplomacy, Jaishankar proposed a comprehensive approach applicable to various countries, urging a critical assessment of the line between freedom of expression and the promotion of violence and separatism.