Jakarta - During a meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Indonesia, the importance of ensuring the security of Indian diplomats in Canada was underscored. This discussion comes amidst a series of anti-India activities by Khalistani supporters within the country. In a tweet following the meeting, Jaishankar also emphasized the need to combat incitement to violence and highlighted the Indo-Pacific region and economic cooperation as key topics of discussion.

The meeting between the two ministers comes shortly after Canada provided assurances to India regarding the safety of its diplomats following the circulation of Khalistani posters online. India has been urging partner countries, including Canada, the UK, and the US, not to provide space for extremist Khalistani ideology, as it has detrimental effects on bilateral relations. India has expressed concerns about the impact of the "radical, extremist Khalistani ideology" on both India and its partner countries, such as the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Relations between India and Canada have been affected by the Khalistani issue in recent years, with India expressing disappointment over Canada's response, which it believes is influenced by domestic political considerations. Jaishankar reiterated that if these activities impinge on India's national security and integrity, India will be compelled to respond. India has consistently called on Canada to refrain from providing a platform for pro-Khalistani separatists and extremist elements.

The issue of Khalistani activities has strained the bilateral relationship between India and Canada, and it remains an important point of contention. India continues to engage with Canada to address its concerns regarding the promotion of Khalistani ideology and to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats in the country.