‘2+2’ dialogue: India says ‘concerns over rising pro-Khalistani activities’ made clear to US
Rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific was also discussed during the meet
Rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific was also discussed during the meet
Rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific was also discussed during the meet
Rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific was also discussed during the meet
During the ‘2+2’ dialogue between India and United States on Friday, serious concerns over increasing activities of pro-Khalistani elements in Canada was conveyed by India.
“We have made our concerns very very clear,” said Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra at a media briefing.
The ‘2+2’ foreign and defence ministerial meeting was led by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh headed the Indian side.
"We have core security concerns and I am sure you are all aware of recent video that has surfaced from one such individual," Kwatra said. Kwatra also added that the US understood India’s concerns.
India-Canada tensions began after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged India’s role behind the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
After Trudeau’s allegation, India had temporarily suspended issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country.
Canada has already withdrawn 41 diplomats and their family members from India.
India-US dialogue
Other areas of focus during the dialogue included expansion of global strategic partnership by shoring up engagement in areas of defence production, technology as well. Also talks were held on the current situation arising out of the Israel-Hamas conflict and China's military muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific.
The dialogue took place amid growing geopolitical turmoil triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Palestine conflict and growing tension in the Arab world.
EAM described the talks as "substantive". "Our agenda covered advancing our strategic partnership, including elevating our defense ties, moving forward in space & tech, future logistics cooperation and people to people contacts," he said on X (formerly Twitter).
"Also exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, South Asia, West Asia and Ukraine conflict. Reaffirmed our commitment to our collaboration in multilateral arena and engaging the Global South," he said.
Blinken said the US and India have a robust partnership and both sides are deliberating on matters with implications for the future.
"We are bolstering the partnership in international peace, security and specifically working to promote rules-based order, and uphold principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. Our defence cooperation is a key pillar of that work," he said.
"We are promoting a free and open, prosperous, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific, including by strengthening our partnership through the Quad with Japan and Australia," Blinken said.