Jaishankar discusses bilateral ties with Canadian counterpart in Munich

On Friday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference to discuss bilateral ties. This meeting took place amid an ongoing diplomatic dispute between the two nations, with Canada accusing India of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey last year, a claim that India has vehemently denied.

During the meeting, Jaishankar and Joly discussed the present state of their bilateral ties and exchanged views on the global situation. The discussions were crucial given the recent tensions between the two countries, with Canada naming India as a “foreign threat” that could interfere in their elections and India asserting that Canada provides space to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements on its soil.

In addition to meeting with the Canadian counterpart, Jaishankar also had a wide-ranging conversation with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and reviewed preparations for the next India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations meeting. Furthermore, Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss maritime security in the Red Sea and ongoing work to ensure peace and security in the Middle East.

The 60th Munich Security Conference, which began on Friday, is seeing significant diplomatic engagements and discussions on global challenges. The conference, under the chairmanship of the German Ambassador to the US, Christoph Heusgen, has brought together leaders from around the world to address critical security issues.

The outcomes of the meetings between Jaishankar and his counterparts from Canada, Germany, and the US are likely to have significant implications for the future of India’s bilateral and multilateral engagements. With ongoing diplomatic disputes and global security challenges, the discussions at the Munich Security Conference are crucial for shaping the international agenda and promoting peace and stability in the region.