On his maiden official visit to New Zealand, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, along with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins took part in the 1st India Business Summit 2023, the Ministry of External Affairs informed through a release.
Lauding India’s G20 presidency for “bringing the wold together”, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that New Delhi managed to install new energy in sustainable development, green growth and digital delivery.
Emphasising that the Modi government has paid a lot of attention to the issues of the Sikh community, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the extremist elements are just a “small minority” and do not represent the entire community.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held a meeting with the US Defence Industry at US-India Business Council and discussed about strategic convergence and technology collaboration.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated the stand that India is ready to look at any information shared by the Canadian side regarding its allegations about the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Stating that he is aware of US’ reaction on the ongoing India-Canada row, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that both sides have articulated each other’s views on the matter.
Stating that India does not require lessons from others on the concept of freedom of speech, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar,in an apparent reference to Canada, said that freedom of expression should not extend to incitement of violence.
Highlighting incidents of threats, violence, and intimidation against Indian diplomats and missions in Canada, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar questioned whether the reaction would have been the same if a similar situation had occurred in any other country.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the ongoing problem with Canada has been there for some years because of the “permissiveness” by the government regarding terrorism, extremism and violence in the country.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated United States’ stand urging India to cooperate in the investigation regarding Canadian allegations, adding that the issue was also raised during his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday.
Weighing in on the state of minorities in India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday dismissed concerns around discrimination on grounds of religion saying everything had become fairer.