MEA Expresses Strong Objection, Details Talks on Citizens in Russian Army
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India has voiced stern objections to extremist and anti-national activities being orchestrated on foreign soil, strongly condemning the so-called Khalistan referendum proposed to be held in Alberta, Canada. Addressing the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regular media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal affirmed that New Delhi categorically condemns all such anti-India agendas being carried out under the patronage of extremist factions.
Strong Objections to SFJ's Separatist Plans in Alberta
The MEA's pointed response comes amid reports that the unlawful organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), led by designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is preparing an alleged referendum in Alberta on October 18:
Firm Stance Against Separatist Platforms: While avoiding granular operational specifics of the planned event, Jaiswal emphasized that the Government of India has consistently objected to extremist elements using democratic spaces abroad to threaten India's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Security Alarms Over Militant Outfits: Serious security concerns have emerged following claims by Pannun proposing the creation of a 'Khalistan Army' and a 'Sikh Homeland Security Force', accompanied by circulating footage purportedly showing youth training with weapons inside Canada.
Repatriation Update: 139 Indians Brought Back from Russian Military
Addressing key developments regarding Indian nationals trapped in conflict zones abroad, the MEA shared critical numbers regarding individuals recruited into the Russian armed forces:
Confirmed Enlistment Data: Official records indicate that approximately 259 Indian citizens had been inducted into the Russian military setup under various pretexts.
Over 130 Discharged: Coordinated diplomatic interventions have successfully secured the discharge and safe return of 139 Indian nationals so far.
Pursuing Remaining Cases: Indian diplomatic missions remain in sustained dialogue with Russian authorities to trace, verify the whereabouts of, and facilitate early discharge for 69 additional citizens suspected to be serving across military units.
Maritime Security, UNMOGIP Stance, and Bilateral Ties with Bangladesh
The MEA briefing also covered major multilateral and bilateral strategic priorities:
Safety of Seafarers and Shipping: Highlighting recurring drone and missile strikes targeting commercial shipping across the Gulf and the Black Sea, Jaiswal backed the newly instituted 'Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers' to build global maritime protection mechanisms.
Position on UNMOGIP: Reiterating India’s long-held diplomatic position, the spokesperson stated that the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) had lost its institutional relevance following the signing of the 1972 Simla Agreement.
Condemning Civilian Strikes in West Asia: The MEA condemned strikes against civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, noting that while localized disruption occurred, commercial aviation corridors across West Asia remain operational.
India-Bangladesh Talks and Teesta-Ganges Waters: Bilateral engagements continued as the Joint Working Group on Trade-Related Issues met in New Delhi, alongside ongoing consultations on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). On river water-sharing matters, Jaiswal reiterated that discussions proceed under the institutional framework of the Joint River Commission as Bangladesh seeks adjustments ahead of the Ganges Water Treaty's December 2026 expiration.
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