S. Jaishankar Meets Canadian Foreign Minister
Amidst the ongoing diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, a secret meeting took place between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly. The meeting occurred in Washington, DC, last month, according to sources cited in a report by the Financial Times.
This development suggests that back-channel talks are underway to address the tension that escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau implied a potential link between the Indian government and the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
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A Secret Meeting in Washington
While no official statement was made about the meeting from the Indian side, sources indicated that Melanie Joly held a secret meeting with S Jaishankar during their respective visits to Washington, DC. The meeting underscores efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the ongoing dispute.
Ottawa’s Diplomatic Stand
The Indian government had previously requested Ottawa to withdraw approximately 40 diplomats to establish parity with the number of Indian diplomats in Canada. While India has around 20 diplomats stationed in Canada, Canada maintains a significantly larger diplomatic presence, with approximately 60 diplomats.
US Role as a Mediator
During his visit to Washington, S Jaishankar discussed the Canada issue with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Blinken urged India to fully cooperate with Canada’s ongoing investigation into the killing of Nijjar.
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The Role of Washington
Washington has emerged as a key intermediary between India and Canada due to the strong strategic partnership between the United States and India and Canada’s close alliance with the US.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has affirmed the importance of diplomatic conversations remaining private. She emphasized the significance of maintaining a strong diplomatic presence in India to navigate moments of tension between the two governments.
US Official Statements
Multiple senior US officials and diplomats, including Blinken, Sullivan, John Kirby, Eric Garcetti, and David Cohen, have made public statements since the diplomatic standoff began. Their messages have been balanced, urging cooperation from both India and Canada and calling for diplomatic engagement.
Conclusion
The secret meeting between S Jaishankar and Melanie Joly in Washington reflects the behind-the-scenes efforts to resolve the diplomatic row between India and Canada. Washington’s role as a mediator, along with the nuanced messages from senior US officials, underscores the importance of finding a diplomatic solution to the ongoing dispute. The situation remains complex, with India rejecting Canada’s allegations while expressing its willingness to cooperate if specific information is provided. The back-channel talks signal a possible path toward reconciliation between the two nations.
