New Delhi: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner, Stewart Wheeler, in response to what it termed “absurd” allegations levelled by the Canadian government. These allegations suggest that India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and other Indian diplomats are “persons of interest” in the investigation into the murder of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
In September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s assassination, causing diplomatic tensions between the two nations to escalate. India, in turn, has strongly denied these accusations, criticising the Trudeau government for pursuing what it called a politically motivated agenda aimed at appealing to a domestic vote bank.
The MEA, in its statement, rejected the claims outright, stating, “The Indian government firmly dismisses these baseless allegations, which appear to be part of Prime Minister Trudeau’s political agenda, focused on vote-bank politics.” It added that despite repeated requests from India, Canada has not provided any evidence to support its claims since Trudeau’s initial accusations.
The MEA also accused the Canadian government of providing a safe haven for violent extremists and terrorists who have harassed and intimidated Indian diplomats and community leaders under the guise of free speech. India further criticised Canada for fast-tracking citizenship for individuals who have illegally entered the country, and for ignoring multiple Indian requests for the extradition of known terrorists and organised crime leaders.
The diplomatic strain between India and Canada continues, with both sides seeking to navigate the tensions amidst an already fragile relationship.
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