EAM Jaishankar Condemns 'Misuse Of Free Speech' by Khalistani Extremists Abroad

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar denounced the platform provided to extremist Khalistani elements in foreign nations, stating that this doesn't constitute freedom of speech but rather its abuse.

Speaking at 'The Rise of the Global South' event at TV9 Bharatvarsh Conclave on Monday, he emphasized the detrimental impact such actions have on a country's reputation and expressed optimism that measures would be taken against those responsible for attacking Indian missions.

Jaishankar said, "We had to suspend the issue of visas in Canada because our diplomats were not safe going to work, they were repeatedly threatened, intimidated, and got very little comfort from the Canadian system at that time...which has improved since then."

"We reached a stage, where, as a minister, I could not risk exposing my diplomats to the kind of violence prevalent there. That part of it has been rectified, so today our visa operations are pretty much normal," he added.

He criticised the argument of 'freedom of expression' stating that throwing smoke bombs at missions and advocating violence is a "misuse" of freedom of speech.

"Regarding the space that is being given to extremists, they keep telling us, 'There is freedom of speech, democracy'. Freedom of speech can't extend to intimidating diplomats, throwing smoke bombs in embassies and consulates, advocating violence and separatism against a friendly state. To me, this is not freedom of speech. This is a misuse of freedom of speech," Jaishankar added.

He recalled the attack on the Indian High Commission in the UK and said that the mission didn't get the protection New Delhi had expected.

"To the point of someone climbing on to our HC and bringing down our Indian flag. I asked my colleagues 'Let's put us in each other's shoes'. How would you react if a mob attacked your premises anywhere in the world? You will not say freedom of speech and expression, you will be jumping up and down. But, things have improved in the UK," the EAM added.

Jaishankar claimed that if a country is not taking action against someone attacking foreign missions, "there is a message in it."

"We have had a much firmer response in Australia and the US. We had an arson attack in the US, but that is under investigation. If the receiving state does not take action against someone who attacks an embassy or a consulate, there's a message in it. Now, I don't think it's good for any country to send that kind of message for their own reputation. That's why we want action to be taken against those who attacked our missions," the External Affairs Minister added.

In recent years, Khalistani extremism has surged in various countries including Canada, Australia, the US, and the UK.

Following the assassination of designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last June, Khalistani extremists targeted Indian diplomats across multiple nations and issued threats against them.

Particularly in Canada, there have been recent reports of multiple incidents involving Khalistani extremism. Last June, a parade featuring a tableau celebrating the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi was organized in Canada, eliciting strong criticism from New Delhi.