India is calling for swift action against those responsible for a series of alarming incidents targeting its diplomats and consular offices in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the urgency of the matter, referencing the attacks on India’s High Commission in London and its Consulate in San Francisco, as well as the threats made against Indian diplomats in Canada. The situation escalated to the point where India temporarily halted visa services in Canada due to safety concerns for its diplomatic staff, following a lack of adequate response from Canadian authorities.
The incidents, including an attempted arson at the San Francisco consulate and the storming of the London High Commission by pro-Khalistani elements, have strained relations between India and the host countries. India has criticized these nations for not providing sufficient protection and for allowing spaces where anti-India sentiment and activities can flourish. Jaishankar’s comments at a TV9 Network summit underscored the expectation for the host countries to take serious measures against the perpetrators and to ensure the safety and dignity of Indian diplomatic missions and personnel.
The minister also addressed the broader issue of the space given to separatist and anti-India elements in these countries, challenging their justification of such actions under the guise of freedom of speech. He emphasized that freedom of speech does not extend to violence, intimidation, or the promotion of separatism against a sovereign state. With the situation reportedly improving, Jaishankar affirmed that visa operations have normalized, but stressed the importance of host countries taking decisive actions to prevent such incidents in the future and to uphold their international obligations and reputations.
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