External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
Canada on Thursday Foreign Minister S. The Australian channel that aired Jaishankar’s press conference interview was banned in the country. In response to this incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong objection and said that this incident has exposed Canada’s hypocrisy. The Foreign Office said Canada talks about freedom of expression just for show.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that when Canada was asked for help for the safety of Indian advisers and diplomats, the Canadian government rejected it. Indian diplomats were kept under surveillance there, which is wrong and unacceptable. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has already spoken on this issue. The Prime Minister has also expressed concern over attacks on Hindus in Canada and has demanded action from the Canadian government.
Foreign Minister touring Australia
The spokesperson said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is currently in Australia. There he met with the Australian Foreign Minister and both leaders discussed world peace and commitment to peace. Jaishankar told the Australian minister that India is ready to provide cooperation in all ways. He held a roundtable discussion with CEOs of many companies in Australia and discussed various topics under the India-Australia Framework Dialogue. During his tour he gave an interview to the Australia Today channel, in which he spoke about the attacks on Hindus in Canada. After this interview aired, the Canadian government banned the channel.
Better relations with the United States
On trade relations between India and America, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs informed that last year there was a trade of 190 billion dollars between India and America. He said work will continue to improve economic relations between India and the United States. Regarding visa policy, it is an issue of mobility and migration, which is part of the bilateral dialogue between both governments.
The Ministry of External Affairs also clarified that Donald Trump’s coming to power will not affect relations between India and Canada. This is a matter between two countries and no third country has anything to do with it. The spokesman said Indians living illegally in the United States should return. India also does not accept illegal migration and promotes legal migration.
Hindus should have security in Bangladesh
Following the change of power in Bangladesh, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over attacks on the Hindu community there. The spokesperson said provocative statements were made against Hindus on social media and attacks were carried out against them. India has urged the Bangladesh government to take action against extremist elements there, so that there is no tension between the two communities. India also said that it is the responsibility of the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety of the Hindu community. There have also been incidents of looting of Hindu properties, which are condemnable.
The spokesperson said India’s Joint Secretary had traveled to Afghanistan and met senior officials and leaders there. During this, several issues were discussed, including humanitarian aid and commercial use of Chabahar port. India has provided humanitarian assistance such as medicines, wheat and pesticides to Afghanistan. India has deep and long-standing relations with the people and community of Afghanistan.