New Delhi: The Indian Foreign Ministry has given a befitting reply to America’s comment on PM Modi’s visit to Russia. Along with this, it has also given a mirror-showing response to the threat received by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has strongly put India’s side on the comments of US Foreign Ministry official Donald Lu. On America’s comment on the timing of PM Modi’s visit to Russia and hugging Putin, he said that India has a long-term relationship with Russia which is based on mutuality of interests. He said that in a multipolar world, all countries have the freedom to choose. It is necessary for everyone to be aware of such realities and appreciate them.
On the arrest of 2 people in the threat case to Canadian PM Trudeau, Randhir Jaiswal said that Canada has charged two persons for threatening to kill PM Trudeau and other leaders on social media. We have seen these reports. But when a democracy adopts different standards to measure or enforce the rule of law and freedom of expression, it only exposes its own double standards. We expect that Canada will also take action against those anti-India elements who have repeatedly threatened Indian leaders, institutions, airlines and diplomats through violence. We would also like to see the same level of strict action on the threats received against us.
On the situation in Bangladesh
On the situation in Bangladesh, Randhir Jaiswal said that we are aware of the situation in the neighboring country and are closely monitoring the developments there. India considers the ongoing situation there as an internal matter of Bangladesh. With the support and cooperation of the Bangladesh government, we were able to arrange for the safe return of our students. Being a close neighbor, we have very cordial and friendly relations. We hope that the situation in the country will return to normal soon.
India’s response to temple vandalism in Canada
The Ministry of External Affairs said that we have strongly raised the matter with the Canadian authorities in both Delhi and Ottawa. We condemn the vandalism and hope that the local authorities will take strong and prompt action against those responsible. These attacks against temples have become a recurring phenomenon and are carried out with a purpose that is not difficult to understand. We have seen many such incidents in Canada in recent times. The lack of action against the perpetrators has further encouraged such criminal elements.
Those advocating extremism and violence and those responsible for it need to be brought to justice otherwise the rule of law and respect for pluralism in Canada will continue to be seriously undermined. We hope that the Canadian government will take action.
