‘Because licence was given to secessionists, extremists’: MEA on downturn in India-Canada ties

India on Friday attributed the decline in India-Canada relations to the licence granted by Ottawa to extremist and secessionist elements within the country.

Addressing a weekly briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The downturn in India-Canada relations was caused by the licence that was given to the extremist and secessionist elements in the country. Our hope is that we can rebuild our ties based on mutual trust and sensitivity.”

#WATCH | Delhi: On India-Canada relations, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "The downturn in India-Canada relations was caused by the license that was given to the extremist and secessionist elements in the country. Our hope is that we can rebuild our ties based on… pic.twitter.com/on36QS3aYr

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2025

Tensions between India and Canada intensified after the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist, in British Columbia in 2023. Canadian authorities alleged Indian involvement, which New Delhi vehemently denied. The diplomatic fallout led to both countries expelling senior diplomats, worsening relations.

India has repeatedly criticised Canada for its inaction against Khalistani supporters undermining India’s territorial integrity, citing incidents of vandalism at places of worship, threats to diplomats, and public displays glorifying violence against Indian leaders.

Jaiswal also provided an update on India-China relations, noting that constructive engagement has continued since the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan.

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#WATCH | Delhi: On India-China talks, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "Since we had a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi in Kazan. Since then, we have had constructive engagement at the levels of EAM, NSA and the Foreign Secretary also… pic.twitter.com/AbSuQelXTb

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2025

“Since we had a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi in Kazan. Since then, we have had constructive engagement at the levels of EAM, NSA and the Foreign Secretary also travelled to China in January, where he met his counterpart…Conversations and dialogues have been going on and they have been moving forward in the right direction…,” added the MEA spokesperson.

On bilateral trade negotiations with the US, Jaiswal said both the governments are actively working to build a framework for the BTA, which would aim to expand trade, enhance market access, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers.

#WATCH | Delhi: MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "India and the US are in the process of taking bilateral trade negotiations forward. The two governments are actively working to build a framework for the BTA, which would aim to expand trade, enhance market access,… pic.twitter.com/HZZUcLhhFv

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2025

“Government of India remains engaged with the US administration at various levels to arrive at a mutually beneficial multisector bilateral trade agreement,” he added.

Jaiswal reiterated India’s position on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, saying India has consistently advocated for sincere and practical engagement between the two parties and other key stakeholders through dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a lasting resolution.

#WATCH | Delhi: MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "Our position on the Ukraine-Russia conflict is well-known and understood as well. We have always advocated sincere and practical engagement between the two parties and other stakeholders and key stakeholders through… pic.twitter.com/ILmuS9IobM

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2025

“Our conversations with the two parties to the conflict, as well as with other stakeholders have been in keeping with this larger approach,” he added.

When asked if PM Modi would meet Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of BIMSTEC summit, Jaiswal said, “I do not have any update to share at this point in time.”

#WATCH | Delhi: On Indian scholar Badar Khan Suri detained in the US, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We are given to understand through media reports that this individual has been detained. Neither the US Govt nor the individual has approached us or the… pic.twitter.com/mIjujqHkrJ

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2025

On Pakistan, said the world clearly knows that the real issue is Pakistan’s active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Pakistan, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "...The world clearly knows that the real issue is Pakistan's active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. In fact, this is the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region." pic.twitter.com/CW7YPaqJAC

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2025

“In fact, this is the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region,” he added.

When asked if any Indian government official was invited to the Iftar dinner organised at Pakistan High Commission on the occasion of National Day of Pakistan, Jaiswal said, “Nimantran toh rishton pe nirbhar karta hai naa….”

To a question on the detention of Indian scholar Badar Khan Suri in the US, Jaiswal said, “We are given to understand through media reports that this individual has been detained. Neither the US government nor the individual has approached us or the Embassy….”

With inputs from agencies