S Jaishankar speaks to Canada FM, on ‘misuse of freedoms, dangers of extremism’

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held an extensive conversation with the Foreign Minister of Canada Mélanie Joly on Wednesday during which the two discussed their political and economic engagement, as well as close community connections, with the Indo-Canadian population pegged at 1.4 million.
He also spoke about the “misuse of freedoms and the dangers of extremism” – in reference to the Khalistani extremist elements residing in that country and fomenting secessionism. The two also discussed the Ukraine conflict.
The EAM said in tweets: “An extensive conversation recently with Foreign Minister @melaniejoly of Canada.
Discussed expanding our political and economic engagement, as also our cultural and community connect.
Spoke about misuse of freedoms and the dangers of extremism
Exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific and the global effects of the Ukraine conflict.
Agreed to strengthen multilateral cooperation, including in the Commonwealth.”
The Canadian FM in a tweet said that she spoke with her Indian counterpart “to deepen Canada and India’s long-standing friendship. We discussed global stability and security, CEPA, expanding the Canada-India Transport Agreement and the importance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region”.
The Canadian Foreign Ministry statement said the two sides discussed “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the need for the international community to come together to restore global peace and security. They also discussed the broader impact of the conflict including on global food security.”
They also discussed areas of future collaboration, including tackling climate change and working towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expanding the Canada-India Transport Agreement, among other matters.
The talks follow the visit in March of Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng to India, in a high level visit aimed at taking bilateral ties forward and to push the CEPA negotiations. (UNI)