New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government Thursday discussed with Canada the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir and other issues as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Canadian counterpart François-Philippe Champagne in Ottawa.
“Underlined the importance of respecting our national integrity and unity. Discussed the challenge of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. Provided an accurate understanding of Jammu & Kashmir developments,” Jaishankar said in a tweet after the meeting.
Glad to engage with my Canadian counterpart FM @FP_Champagne early in our respective tenures. Thank him for his warm welcome and gracious hospitality. pic.twitter.com/PLixZ6FF0y
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 20, 2019
This move comes amid continued international criticism over the Modi government’s communication clampdown in the Kashmir valley along with detention of local political leaders since the scrapping of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August.
The government has repeatedly said the issue is India’s “internal matter” and other countries have no business to question it.
However, the US, the UK and the European Union have been urging a dialogue on this matter between India and Pakistan while also asking New Delhi to relax the restrictions that are still in place in the Valley.
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‘New momentum’
During his two-day visit, S. Jaishankar also said he discussed with his Canadian counterpart the terror threat facing India, especially cross-border terrorism.
Ties between New Delhi and Ottawa took a plunge when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s maiden visit to India last year turned out to be a “total disaster”. He had chosen to not visit the national capital first, and then sought to appease Indian sensitivities by wearing ‘desi’ attire.
More significantly, a “diplomatic disaster” struck when a few Khalistani elements appeared at his official parties during the visit.
Trudeau had called the visit the “last trip to end all trips”. He came back to power for a second tenure in October this year with an impressive victory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him over telephone on the win.
Meanwhile, François-Philippe Champagne said after the meeting, “Welcomed my Indian counterpart, @DrSJaishankar, to Ottawa today. This meeting will bring new momentum to our bilateral relationship.”
Welcomed my Indian counterpart, @DrSJaishankar, to Ottawa today. This meeting will bring new momentum to our bilateral relationship. ???? pic.twitter.com/SCTZ2ZNzPk
— François-Philippe Champagne (FPC) ?? (@FP_Champagne) December 20, 2019
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