EAM Jaishankar discusses Ukraine war, dangers of extremism with Canadian FM Melanie Joly

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday exchanged views on issue of misuse of freedom and dangers of extremism with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly. Taking to Twitter, EAM Jaishankar stated that he had an “extensive conversation” with Joly and discussed expansion of political and ecomic engment. Jaishankar furr ted that India and Canada’s culture and community ‘connect.’ Apart from extremism and bilateral ties, Jaishankar and Joly discussed  India-Pacific and global impacts of Russia-Ukraine war. 

Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar wrote, “An extensive conversation recently with Foreign Minister Melanie Joly of Canada. Discussed expanding our political and ecomic engment, as also our cultural and community connect. Spoke about misuse of freedoms and dangers of extremism.”

“Exchanged views on Indo-Pacific and global effects of Ukraine conflict. Agreed to strengn multilateral cooperation, including in Commonwealth,” he added. 

EAM Jaishankar and Melanie Joly’s conversation came in backdrop of pro-Khalistani groups in Canada attempting to stir anti-Indian sentiments and revive movement. Earlier in February, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan in Rajya Sabha had stated that a “small fringe group of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada” is spreading anti-India feelings and government is closely engd with Canada over issue.

“ vast majority of people of Indian origin in Canada share a warm emotional bond with India and have worked for betterment of relations between India and Canada,” he said, “re is a small fringe group of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada who spread anti-India feelings through ir extremist statements and activities”. 

Jaishankar to embark on a five-day visit to Slovakia

EAM spoke with Canadian Foreign Minister as he readied to leave for a five-day official trip to Slovakia and Czech Republic from June 2 to June 6. Ministry of External said in a press release that Jaishankar will be in Bratislava till June 4 and will call on Slovakian Prime minister Eduard Heger and Foreign and European Affairs Minister Ivan Korčok. It is pertinent to mention that visit comes at a time when Europe is struggling with implications of Russia-Ukraine war and issue is likely to figure in EAM's talks in both Slovakia and Czech Republic.

MEA Jaishankar would also be attending GLOBSEC 2022 Forum and speak on topic ‘Taking Friendship to Next Level: Allies in Indo-Pacific Region.’ On sidelines of forum, External Affairs Minister would meet Austrian Minister of European and International Affairs Alexander Schallenberg. 

In Czech Republic, between June 4 and June 6, EAM Jaishankar will hold discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic Jan Lipavský. In a statement, MEA said that Jaishankar and Lipavský’s meeting  “will provide an opportunity for a comprehensive review of our bilateral cooperation”. It is to te here that Czech Republic will be taking over presidency of European Union (EU) from July 1. 

Im: AP/PTI