Upset over Trudeau’s remarks on farmers protest Jaishankar skips COVID meet

Days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau comments on the ongoing farmers protest in India, Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has cancelled the next meeting of the Canada-led group of foreign ministers, which is aimed at formulating strategies on the COVID-19 pandemic, reports senior correspondent Chandrakala Choudhury.

New Delhi:External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has cancelled the next meeting of the Canada-led group of foreign ministers, which is aimed at formulating strategies on the COVID-19 pandemic amid the diplomatic tussle between the two nations over remarks made by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the ongoing farmers protest in India.

According to government sources, New Delhi has informed the Canadian government that Jaishankar will not attend the meeting that is scheduled to take place on December 7 organised by Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Phillippe Champagne because of 'scheduling' issues.

It is learned that Jaishankar is upset with Trudeau’s comments and has decided to show his displeasure by refusing to attend the meeting.

Minister Jaishankar had participated in a virtual meet last month of the Ministerial Coordination Group of Covid-19 (MCGC), led by Canadian foreign minister Francois-Phillippe Champagne.

The minister had tweeted earlier, “Pleased to participate in the Group of Foreign Ministers Meeting to exchange experiences on Covid-related challenges. Thank FM @FP_Champagne of Canada for convening the meeting”.

On Friday, the MEA summoned the Canadian High Commissioner to India Nadir Patel and a strong demarche was issued where India said that such remarks made by PM Justin Trudeau could have a 'damaging' impact on relations between the two countries.

“The Canadian High Commissioner was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs today and informed that comments by the Canadian Prime Minister, some cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament on issues relating to Indian farmers constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs”, the MEA statement read.

These comments have encouraged gatherings of extremist activities in front of our High Commission and Consulates in Canada that raise issues of safety and security. We expect the Canadian Government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimize extremist activism”, the MEA added.

Despite the Canadian High Commissioner to New Delhi being summoned by the MEA over comments made by the Canadian politicians and Canadian Prime Minister, Trudeau went on to repeat that he would stand for the rights of the Indian farmers to peacefully protest.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday reiterated his stance on the ongoing farmers' protest against the farm bills in India. When asked about India saying that his remarks could impact ties he said, "Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protest and human rights".

When asked again about relations with India, he maintained, "Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protest anywhere around the world. We are pleased to see moves towards de-escalation and dialogue."

The comment by Prime Minister Trudeau has sparked a controversy in Indian political fraternity and foreign policy experts believe that the Canadian Prime Minister has no right to comment on the internal issues of India and that it is highly condemnable.

On the occasion of Gurupurab, interacting virtually with Canadians from the Sikh community, Trudeau had said, “I would be remiss if I didn’t start also by recognizing the news coming out of India about the protests by the farmers. The situation is concerning and we are all very worried about family and friends”.

We know that’s a reality for many of you. Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protesters. We believe in the importance of dialogue. We have reached out through multiple means to the Indian authorities to highlight our concerns. This is a moment for all of us to pull together”, added the Canadian Prime Minister.

To which India strongly objected terming Canadian political leaders “ill-informed” and “unwarranted” and asked them to refrain from commenting on India’s internal affairs.