India rejected Canadian diplomatic communications that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats were 'persons of interest' in a case in Canada. On Monday (October 14, 2024), the Ministry of External Affairs termed the allegations as 'absurd allegations' and expressed a strong reaction. Not only this, the Foreign Ministry also targeted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and accused him of being motivated by his political ambitions and vote bank politics.
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, we received a diplomatic communication from Canada yesterday, citing the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats as 'persons connected to the matter'. The Government of India completely rejects these absurd allegations. And the Trudeau government has supported it. Canada has accused Indian officials of involvement in the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has strongly denied this claim and has sought evidence to support these serious allegations.
Trudeau's history of hostility towards India
India said that it was already aware of Justin Trudeau's hostility towards India. “Prime Minister Trudeau is already clearly anti-India,” the statement said. His visit to India in 2018, which was aimed at influencing the vote bank, proved inconvenient for him. There are people in his cabinet who are openly anti-India.” With an extremist and separatist agenda.”
Political party affiliation and criticism
According to the statement, “Toudreau's open interference in India's internal politics in December 2020 shows how far he is willing to go in this matter. “His government depended on a political party whose leaders openly support separatist ideology against India.” What's worse, his government has been criticized for condoning foreign interference in Canadian politics, and now targeting Indian diplomats is the next step in that direction, as endorsed by Prime Minister Trudeau Barr .
Canada did not share evidence
Regarding Canada's allegations against the Nigerian government, the Foreign Ministry said that the country has not yet shared a single evidence with New Delhi. Under the pretext of investigation, the Canadian government is running a propaganda campaign against India. “Since Prime Minister Trudeau made certain allegations in September 2023, the Government of Canada has not shared evidence despite our repeated requests,” the statement said. This latest move reiterates those claims.” There is no doubt in the facts behind them that India is being deliberately defamed in the name of investigation so that political gains can be made.
India's statement also said that the Trudeau government is giving space to terrorists in Canada to harass and intimidate Indian diplomats. According to the statement, “To this end, the Trudeau government has knowingly provided space for violent extremists and terrorists to harass, intimidate and threaten Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada, including by threatening to kill them and Indian leaders.” also includes. All these activities were justified in the name of freedom of expression.”
Charges against High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma have been dismissed
The Ministry of External Affairs said that the allegations against High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma are ridiculous and should be rejected with contempt. The statement also said that “The Government of India considers the activities of the High Commission of Canada, which further the political agenda of the present government. It applies the principle of reciprocity in the context of diplomatic representation. Now India will take further action in this matter.” Responding to the allegations against Indian diplomats, he said, “The Canadian government has the right to do so.”