India Apprises its Concern to US on Activities of Pro-Khalistani Elements in Canada

NEW DELHI:
India on Friday conveyed to the US its serious concerns over increasing activities of pro-Khalistani elements in Canada.

India flagged its concerns at the ‘2+2’ foreign and defence ministerial meeting.

“We have made our concerns very very clear,” Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said at a media briefing.

The American delegation at the ‘2+2’ ministerial dialogue talks was led by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh headed the Indian side.

“We have core security concerns and I am sure you are all aware of recent video that has surfaced from one such individual,” Kwatra said adding the US side understood New Delhi’s concerns.

The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June in the Canadian town of Surrey.

Days after Trudeau’s allegations, India temporarily suspended issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure parity.

Canada has already withdrawn 41 diplomats and their family members from India.

India has already resumed some of the visa services.