Canada, not US, uses freedom of speech to justify extremism: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in an interview with TOI about his latest book, Ramayana-inspired Why Bharat Matters, has remarked on the stark contrast between the US and Canada and said that, unlike the US, the latter justifies separatism, terrorism, and extremism in the name of freedom of speech. He said these in an interview with TOI.
This remark comes after the November incident, where Indian officials were alleged of plotting to assassinate Sikhh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States. This development came after Canada publicly linked Indian intelligence to the June killing of another Khalistani separatist, Hardeep Singh NIjjar, in Surrey.
The White House stated that the alleged plot to kill Pannun on American soil was being treated with ‘utmost seriousness’ and has raised its concern with New Delhi. Canada’s accusations were dismissed as absurd, but as a response to the concerns raised by Washington, New Delhi formed a committee to probe into the matter.
Appreciating the actions of the US and pointing out the differences between the two neighbouring countries, Jaishankar said, “……when the Americans believed they had an issue, whether their belief is validated or not only the court can decide, they came to us and said look we have these concerns and we are sharing this with you and would like you to find out what’s happening. The Canadians did not do this.”
What seemed as an apparent dig at Canada, Minister Jaishankar appreciated the stronger stand of the US against the misuse of “freedom of speech.” “Second, the US does not justify these separatist, terrorist, extremist activities in the name of freedom of speech. We have seen the US taking a much firmer position on misuse of freedoms than we have seen Canada take. Canada has also, on occasions, very openly interfered in our politics. We all remember events in Punjab. I think the only PM in the world who publicly commented on it was the Canadian PM. I’d say we have apples and oranges here, and I’d not mix up the two,” he added.
This criticism comes after a low between India and Canada regarding Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s accusation of Indian intelligence and a plot to assassinate NIjjar in Surrey.
