India-Canada Row: Jaishankar’s Old Remarks Resurface, Criticizes Canada’s Stance on Extremism

In light of the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, remarks made by External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar during a press conference on June 8, 2023, have gained renewed attention. Jaishankar expressed concerns over Canada's tolerance of celebrations related to the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, questioning the motivations behind such actions. He stated, “We are at a loss to understand, other than vote bank politics, why anyone would allow this,” emphasizing the dangerous precedent set by giving space to separatists and extremists. Further, Jaishankar responded to accusations from Canadian officials regarding India's interference in domestic affairs, retorting with the Hindi phrase, “Ulta chor kotwal ko daante” (The thief scolds the cop), highlighting the irony of the situation. As the diplomatic standoff continues, these resurfaced comments underscore the complexities of the relationship and the underlying issues related to extremism and political maneuvering in Canada.