Evidence will have to be given before investigation in murder case: Foreign Minister

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India does not rule out a probe into Canada’s allegations against ‘Indian agents’ involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, but Ottawa will have to provide evidence first.

The minister said, “With respect to (Canadian Prime Minister Justin) Trudeau’s allegation, I have discussed it with my counterpart – I still do – we said to him, look, if you have any reason to make such an allegation If so, please share the evidence with us.” He said in response to a question from journalist Lionel Barber at a talk titled ‘How a billion people see the world’ in London on Wednesday.

“We are not ruling out an investigation and are considering anything they may offer. They have not.” He added.

Jaishankar was speaking in the backdrop of Trudeau’s statement last week in which he had said Canada does not want a war with India but if big countries can violate international law without consequences, the entire world will become more dangerous for everyone. It happens.

Calling Canada “a country with a past”, Jaishankar referred to the 1985 bombing of an Air India flight.

“It has come to such a situation that my country’s diplomats including the High Commissioner were attacked, smoke bombs were thrown at the High Commission and the Consulate General, my diplomats were informed publicly, on record, but no action was taken on it.

“We are a democracy, they are a democracy. Freedom of speech and expression also comes with a certain responsibility. It would be very wrong to misuse those freedoms and tolerate that misuse for political purposes.

The Foreign Minister said, “We feel that Canadian politics has given place to violent and extremist political views that advocate separation from India, including through violent means. These people have been accommodated in Canadian politics. They have been given the opportunity to express their views. Have been given freedom to do.” Said.

Asked whether he believed Nijjar was a terrorist, Jaishankar said: “He has a track record that is in social media. That track record is quite graphic. I will leave everyone to make their own decision. He held public positions.” (IANS)