Matter of serious concern: MEA on reports of 'extortion calls' to members of Indian community in Canada

Relationship with China not normal: MEA

The government on January 4 expressed serious concern over reports that members of the Indian community in the Canadian province of British Columbia received extortion calls. Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), made these comments during a media briefing.

More significantly, the nature of the extortion calls and their potential impact on the Indian community prompted India to address the issue as a matter of serious concern, indicating the importance of safeguarding the welfare of its citizens abroad.

"It is a matter of concern… People getting extortion calls, especially Indian nationals, is a matter of serious concern," Jaiswal said. However, he noted that he does not have exact details regarding the incidents.

In September, New Delhi-Ottawa relations experienced significant tension when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Surrey city on June 18. India firmly rejected Trudeau's claims, dismissing them as "absurd" and "motivated." India accused Canada of providing a platform for Khalistani extremists targeting India, leading to strained bilateral relations between the two countries.

India has consistently emphasized that its "core issue" with Canada revolves around concerns related to the space provided to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements within Canada.  The MEA spokesperson highlighted that there are several issues to discuss with Canada, including matters related to security situations. Additionally, he mentioned a specific incident concerning an attack on a temple, following which the Canadian police conducted an investigation at the temple premises.

Jaiswal pointed out a specific incident where an individual intruded into a temple, leading to an investigation by Canadian authorities. Later, these authorities issued a statement stating that the intruder was of unsound mind. He cited this example to underscore that there are various issues that need discussion between India and Canada.

Also Read: India-Canada diplomatic thaw remains remote despite visa easing

In response to a question about the possibility of the new Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu traveling to China first, breaking the tradition of making the first trip to India, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that it is a decision for the Maldives to make. He mentioned:  "This is a decision the Maldives has to take. We do not have any comments on that. It is for them to decide where they go and how they go about their international relations."

Muizzu, perceived to have close ties with Beijing, has advocated for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. In response to queries about this situation, Jaiswal emphasised that it is an internal matter for the Maldives to decide. Additionally, when questioned about concerns over the credibility of Bangladesh's upcoming parliamentary elections, he reiterated that it is an internal matter for Bangladesh to address.

"The elections in Bangladesh are the domestic affairs of Bangladesh. It is for the people of Bangladesh to decide," he said. Several opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jamaat-e-Islami, are not participating in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.

In response to a separate question, Jaiswal stated that Venezuela has agreed to supply crude oil to ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) in exchange for dividends. He mentioned, "We have been given to understand that there is now an understanding that Venezuela has agreed to provide crude oil in lieu of the dividend that they owe to OVL."

Regarding the agreement between Venezuela and OVL involving crude oil supply in lieu of dividends, Jaiswal noted that there are several technicalities involved that will need further examination.

(With inputs from PTI)