India-Canada Foreign Ministers meet in Munich

India-Canada Foreign Ministers meet in Munich

Munich: Amidst the valued gathering of global leaders at the Munich Security Conference @MSC2024, Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, had a series of crucial meetings, each laden with diplomatic significance and underscored by pressing international concerns. One of the pivotal engagements on the sidelines of @MSC2024 occurred between Jaishankar and his Canadian counterpart, Mélanie Joly, against the backdrop of strained relations between the two nations.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the two ministers delved into discussions about the current state of bilateral ties. Jaishankar, known for his diplomatic finesse, emphasized the importance of dialogue, stating, “Our conversation understandably focused on the present state of our bilateral ties. It was also useful to exchange views on the global situation.”

Joly echoed Jaishankar’s sentiments, reflecting on the frank exchange that transpired during their meeting. “At the 2024 Munich Security Conference, Dr S Jaishankar and I had a frank discussion on Canada-India relations and the current global issues, including Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine,” she remarked in a post on social media platform X.

The meeting between Jaishankar and Joly took place against the backdrop of allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India’s alleged involvement in the death of a separatist—a claim vehemently refuted by the Indian government as baseless and motivated. The encounter served as a platform for both nations to address lingering tensions and explore avenues for constructive engagement.

In addition to the significant India-Canada dialogue, Jaishankar’s itinerary at the sidelines of the conference was replete with engagements with an array of global leaders, each conversation contributing to the mosaic of international diplomacy. His discussions ranged from strategic partnerships with the United States and the United Kingdom to regional cooperation with Bangladesh and global health initiatives with the World Health Organization.