The North News
New Delhi, June 26
India and Canada are working on a gradual restoration of diplomatic ties, including the early return of High Commissioners to their respective capitals, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday, signalling a potential thaw after months of strained relations. Speaking at a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said both nations have agreed to take “calibrated and constructive steps” to bring stability back to the bilateral relationship, which deteriorated last year following allegations made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Meanwhile, India took a strong position at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, where member states failed to issue a joint statement on defence cooperation. According to Jaiswal, Pakistan insisted on references to terrorism in Balochistan—which India firmly rejected.
“Figments of imagination cannot be part of serious joint statements,” he said, referring to Pakistan’s attempt to equate unrest in Balochistan with the terror attack in Pahalgam, which India maintains was carried out by Pakistan-trained militants.
Besides it, the MEA said India is closely monitoring reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concerning radiation levels at recently targeted nuclear sites. Jaiswal confirmed that no significant nuclear material was detected, with radioactive contamination reportedly limited to the buildings at the affected locations. India also strongly condemned the demolition of a Hindu temple in Dhaka, criticising Bangladesh’s interim government for failing to protect the Durga temple from extremist pressure.
“Extremists were clamouring for the demolition of the temple. Instead of ensuring security, the authorities projected it as a land dispute and allowed its destruction—including the damage to the deity,” Jaiswal said.
Responding to a separate query about Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir’s visit to the White House, Jaiswal said:
“We have noted the visit. No further comments. Our partnership with the United States remains wide-ranging and is grounded in shared democratic values and growing strategic convergence.”
