Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:55am on 23 Sep 2023,Saturday India Global
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau disclosed that his government notified India weeks ago regarding allegations that Indian agents were involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia."Canada has shared the credible allegations that I talked about on Monday with India. We did that many weeks ago," Trudeau was quoted by Reuters as having said at a press conference in Ottawa. This follows Trudeau's initial accusations which provoked an angry Indian response. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed concerns and said the US has been closely coordinating with Canada, wanting to see accountability from India over the alleged killing on Canadian soil. However, Trudeau has not provided details on evidence backing Canada's allegations.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:48am on 23 Sep 2023,Saturday India Global
According to former Pentagon official Michael Rubin, the US would prioritize ties with India over Canada if forced to choose between the two countries. Rubin stated that Trudeau appeared motivated by domestic politics rather than prudent foreign policy in accusing India over a killed terrorist. He warned that Trudeau risks damaging long-term relations with the world's largest democracy for short-term political gain. Rubin emphasized that the U.S. values its strategic partnership with India and would choose those ties over Canada if forced to decide between the two countries.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:17am on 23 Sep 2023,Saturday India Global
During the UN General Assembly debate, India criticized Pakistan for misusing the UN forum to spread propaganda against India. India stated Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India and Pakistan has no standing to comment on India's internal matters. India highlighted Pakistan's poor human rights record, especially against minorities and women. It cited recent attacks against Christians in Pakistan and the abduction and forced conversion of minority women. India stated Pakistan shelters terrorists and must take action against Mumbai attack perpetrators. It called for Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism, vacate occupied Indian territory, and end rights abuses against minorities.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:07pm on 22 Sep 2023,Friday India Global
Amid India-Canada row over Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, reports said Indian agencies had informed Canada about his terrorism record and fake asylum bid in 1997. Nijjar had claimed asylum fearing persecution for his "social group". But it was rejected over fabricated narrative. He then went to Canada on a forged passport as Ravi Sharma. After rejection, Nijjar reportedly arranged a sham "marriage" for immigration in 11 days. This too was denied as his "wife" had come to Canada sponsored by another man in 1997. Nijjar appealed the rejections in Canadian courts while claiming citizenship. He got citizenship by unclear means. An Interpol Red Corner Notice against Nijjar over a dozen murder and terror cases was issued in 2014. Details were shared with Canada but no action taken except a no-fly list. India informed about all of Nijjar's crimes but Canada didn't act, per reports.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:00pm on 22 Sep 2023,Friday India Global
The Quad foreign ministers of India, the US, Australia, and Japan met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding UN charter principles and realizing the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The ministers expressed concern over the Ukraine war and North Korea's destabilizing missile launches. They condemned Myanmar's humanitarian crisis and called for ending violence. The meeting highlighted the Quad's coordination on global issues like Ukraine, nuclear proliferation, and human rights violations ahead of the leaders' summit.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:36pm on 22 Sep 2023,Friday India Global
Canada's allegations implicating India in separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing are reportedly based on both human and signals intelligence. As per Canadian government sources, the intelligence includes communications about Indian officials and diplomats in Canada. It was gathered over months of investigation into the British Columbia shooting that sparked the diplomatic row. As per CBC reports, the intelligence did not come solely from Canada and some were provided by an ‘unnamed ally’ in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. India firmly denied the "absurd" allegations. The United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are members of the Five Eyes alliance.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:32am on 22 Sep 2023,Friday India Global
India's suspension of visas for Canadians has sparked concerns among tourists planning trips and students weighing future plans. A Vancouver travel agent reported nonstop calls from worried travelers with upcoming visits. Though dual citizens and OCIs can still freely enter India, some students are reconsidering staying in Canada long-term. The tensions also raise economic worries, with many Canadian firms operating in India. For Canada's large Indian diaspora, the row poses questions on future travel and relations. While Ottawa hints against retaliation, the visa move highlights worries across tourism, education, and trade.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:37am on 22 Sep 2023,Friday India Global
Amid the diplomatic firestorm between India and Canada, Mahindra & Mahindra's Canada-based associate firm Resson Aerospace has ceased operations per the auto giant's regulatory filing. Mahindra held 11% in Resson, which filed for voluntary winding up. The timing has fueled social media speculation but Mahindra hasn't clarified the reasons. This comes as Canadian PM Trudeau repeated allegations of Indian involvement in separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, which India firmly denied. With India-Canada ties strained, Resson's sudden shutdown has raised questions on whether geopolitics played a role in Mahindra exiting the Canadian firm
A warm welcome to 🇮🇳 students arriving in 🇬🇧 from team @HCI_London ! Here's HC @VDoraiswami welcoming you, and inviting you to register for a welcome event on October 10th--in person and via livestreaming. Details follow. Remember to register with the Mission or our Consulates! pic.twitter.com/WHKDKLdzDe
— India in the UK (@HCI_London) September 20, 2023
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:01am on 22 Sep 2023,Friday India Global
High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami welcomed Indian students arriving in the UK and invited them to register for a welcome event on October 10. The event will be held both in-person and livestreamed. Doraiswami encouraged students to register with the High Commission or Consulates. The welcome event aims to orient new Indian students in the UK and provide information to help their transition. As Indian students flock to the UK for higher education, the High Commission is reaching out to connect with them. The event will allow networking between seniors and new students. It highlights the Mission's efforts to engage proactively with the vibrant Indian student community in the UK.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:55am on 22 Sep 2023,Friday India Global
Indian Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni and Mrs Nandita Parvathaneni took part in Ganeshotsav 2023 in Berlin, organized by Marathi Mitra Berlin e.V in collaboration with other groups. The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival brought together over 400 members of the Indian community in Berlin for cultural festivities, art and craft programs. The grand finale will be a procession on September 30. The Parvathanenis' participation highlights the festival's importance in promoting Indian culture abroad. Ganeshotsav provided a platform for Indians in Berlin from diverse backgrounds to come together and celebrate their heritage. The colorful celebrations also underlined India's soft power and civilizational links with Europe.