India-US 2+2 Dialogue Addresses Security Threats: Khalistan Warning Takes Center Stage
- Posted on November 10, 2023
- International Conflict and Politics
- By Arijit Dutta
- 276 Views
In the recently concluded 2+2 Dialogue between India and the United States in Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed discussions on diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Canada.
India expressed serious concerns over a
recent threat issued by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to blow up
an Air India flight on November 19.
During
a press briefing after the dialogue, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra emphasized
that India had consistently communicated its position on the matter to its
international partners. The Indian side raised the alarm over Pannun's video,
urging Sikhs worldwide not to fly Air India after November 19, coinciding with
the cricket World Cup match scheduled in Gujarat.
Kwatra highlighted core security concerns, stating that India made its position unequivocally clear to its friends and partners during the discussions. The video threat by Pannun, who previously threatened India with a Hamas-like attack, adds complexity to the strained relations between India and Canada.
In
response to questions about the Khalistani terror video, the Foreign Secretary
emphasized India's commitment to addressing security concerns. Pannun's choice
of November 19 for the threat was explained in the video, linking it to the
World Terror Cup's final match. The terrorist aims to portray a Sikh genocide
in India and rename airports after prominent figures upon Punjab's liberation.
The
recent threat comes amid heightened tensions between India and Canada following
the killing of a Khalistani terrorist in Ottawa. Canada's Foreign Minister,
Melanie Joly, acknowledged the difficult moment in the relationship between the
two nations, expressing confidence in overcoming the challenges and finding
common ground for collaboration. The diplomatic standoff remains a focal point
in the broader context of India's international relations.