Freedom of expression can’t justify threats to Indian Representatives: Hardeep Puri warns Canada

Oct 16, 2024

New Delhi, October 16 (ANI): Amid the ongoing dispute between India and Canada, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri expressed disbelief that, in the name of freedom of expression, anyone would be allowed to issue threats to Indian representatives in Canada. Speaking at an event in the national capital on October 15, Puri recalled the 1984 assassination of Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre in the UK, emphasising that the safety of any representative should be a concern for all governments. He noted that the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had filled him with pride. Puri further stated that the Canadian government would come to understand India's stance when India begins to calibrate its responses. "Any representative should be a matter of concern for all governments, and I speak in my personal capacity. I remember the Mhatre case--I was serving in that country in its aftermath. I've also witnessed other threats to people representing India, and I have personally been on the receiving end. It is incomprehensible that, under the guise of freedom of expression, a photograph of a head of mission is shared on social media, depicting individuals firing plastic bullets or actual bullets. It's symbolic. Our responses to such actions have been exemplary. They (Canada) will realise it when we start adjusting our response. The MEA statement filled me with pride... I don't want to comment further as the MEA's statement explains a lot," Puri said.