In a recent revelation, the diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have reached a critical juncture, fueled by the aftermath of the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Amid this escalating standoff, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar of India and his Canadian counterpart, Melanie Joly, reportedly held a clandestine meeting in September. This development, as reported by the Financial Times, comes at a time when both nations have been tight-lipped about official confirmation regarding this secret encounter.
Calls for Diplomatic Withdrawals: Following Trudeau’s allegations and the subsequent back-and-forth between the two nations, India issued a demand for Canada to withdraw a significant number of its diplomats from the country. Reports suggest that India asked Canada to recall 41 of its 62 diplomats by the deadline of October 10. The two nations are currently engaged in negotiations to resolve this diplomatic standoff, and to reduce the number of Canadian diplomatic staff in India.
A Secret Meeting Shrouded in Secrecy: The secret meeting between Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Minister Melanie Joly, which reportedly took place in September, has come to light. The revelation has added an intriguing layer to the ongoing diplomatic conflict. Both India and Canada have refrained from issuing official confirmations regarding this undisclosed encounter.
Differing Perspectives on Diplomatic Parity: Amid this diplomatic turmoil, India has invoked the Vienna Convention in its pursuit of parity in mutual diplomatic presence. However, it has been reported that Canada has rejected this argument, complicating the resolution of the diplomatic row.
Canada’s Diplomatic Approach: Canadian Minister Melanie Joly emphasized the importance of private diplomacy in resolving international disputes. During a press conference in Ottawa, she reaffirmed her commitment to this approach when dealing with India. “Well, I’ve said it many times, and I’ll continue to say it. Diplomacy is always better when conversations remain private. And that’s the approach I will continue to take when it comes to India,” Joly stated.
As the diplomatic stand-off between India and Canada unfolds, the secret meeting between their foreign ministers adds a layer of intrigue to an already complex situation. The resolution of this dispute will continue to be closely watched by international observers, with both nations holding their respective positions on the matter.
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