India on Thursday (Nov 9) strongly condemned the threats issued by Khalistani extremists against Air India flights, while expressing willingness to discuss with Canada the tensions that arose after the killing of a Khalistani terrorist in that country.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said
governments will be appealed to deny space to Khalistani extremists.
Founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had earlier released a video asking Sikhs not to board any Air India flight on November 19, saying their lives could be in danger if they did so.
He further claimed that Air India will not be given permission to operate on November 19.
He added that the IGI Airport of Delhi will remain closed on November 19 and further claimed that its name will also be changed.
He reminded the people that on this day the final match of the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023 will be played in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Speaking about the ongoing issues with Canada and Israel-Hamas war situation which are likely to be discussed with visiting US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, Bagchi said, “The 2+2 is tomorrow. The US Secretary of Defence has just landed and we are expecting the Secretary (of State Anthony Blinken) later in the evening… Considering the nature of our relationship and the global strategic partnership, a variety of issues can be discussed including topical issues, and regional developments. On Canada, if they wish to discuss we are happy to discuss all issues.”
The relations between India and Canada slipped into deep crisis after Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that its government was “actively pursuing credible allegations” which linked the Indian government to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver.
Nijjar had been speaking about creating an independent Sikh homeland of Khalistan.
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After the remarks, India’s intelligence chief positioned in Ottawa was expelled by Canada.
India immediately responded to the actions of Canada by stopping 13 categories of visas for Canadians and cutting down the diplomatic presence of Canada in India, a move which Ottawa stated violated the Vienna Conventions.
On October 25, the Indian government restarted the issuance of visas under four categories, a measure which Indian officials stated is aimed at helping people, who are of Indian origin, to travel back to their home country during the wedding season which begins this month.
(With inputs from agencies)
