EAM Jaishankar Defends CAA Amid Global Criticism, Highlights Historical Context

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th March. Amidst criticism of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) from various quarters including the US, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar defended the legislation, emphasizing the importance of understanding it in the context of the Partition.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2024 on Saturday, Jaishankar responded to questions regarding criticisms of the CAA from Washington and other parts of the world. He underscored the necessity of considering historical context, particularly the traumatic aftermath of the Partition, in evaluating the rationale behind the CAA.

Jaishankar critiqued the perspective of some critics, stating that it seems as if the Partition never occurred and the significant issues it engendered are being ignored. He stressed the obligation to address the concerns of those who suffered during that period, highlighting the Home Minister’s recent articulation of this sentiment.

In response to remarks made by US Ambassador Eric Garcetti regarding the principles of religious freedom and equality under the law, Jaishankar distinguished between India and Canada, cautioning against conflating the two countries’ political landscapes. He referenced previous tensions between India and Canada over allegations linked to the killing of a Khalistani separatist, dismissing them as baseless.

Jaishankar further defended the CAA by pointing to precedents in other democracies where citizenship was expedited on the basis of ethnicity, faith, or social attributes. He cited examples such as the Jackson-Vanik amendment and the fast-tracking of Hungarians and Cubans in previous decades.

The minister reiterated that the CAA addresses the unfulfilled promises made to minorities affected by the Partition, echoing similar initiatives taken by European countries to address historical injustices.

On the issue of an Indian national facing charges in a murder-for-hire plot in the US, Jaishankar disclosed that India has set up a high-power committee to investigate the matter, considering its implications for organized crime and national security.

Regarding the upcoming US elections, Jaishankar expressed readiness to engage with whichever administration comes into power, highlighting the importance of the US-India relationship.

Jaishankar concluded on a lighter note when asked about diplomacy on social media, stating that while he is focused on foreign policy, social media presents challenges that require adaptability and concise communication.