India Makes Concerns Over Pro-Khalistan Groups In Canada "Very Clear" To US During 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

India expressed its concerns to the US on Friday (10 November) regarding the growing presence of pro-Khalistani groups in Canada during the '2+2' foreign and defence ministerial meeting.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra emphasised by saying, "We have made our concerns very very clear," during a media briefing, Telegraph reported.

The '2+2' ministerial dialogue talks were attended by the American delegation led by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, and the Indian delegation headed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Kwatra acknowledged the core security concerns and the recent video that has emerged from an individual, emphasising that the US side comprehends New Delhi's concerns.

The relationship between India and Canada faced significant tension after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June, which occurred in the Canadian town of Surrey.

Following Trudeau's accusations, India took action by temporarily halting the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens. Additionally, they requested that Ottawa reduce the size of its diplomatic presence in the country in order to maintain equality between the two nations.

Canada has removed a total of 41 diplomats and their family members from India. Meanwhile, India has started to offer certain visa services again.