Canada Accuses Indian Envoy, India Responds Strongly

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

India has strongly objected to Canada naming its High Commissioner as a ‘person of interest’ in the investigation of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing. The government has labeled this as “preposterous imputations” linked to Justin Trudeau’s political agenda. India claims Canada is trying to smear its reputation for political gains.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

In response to Canada’s naming of Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma as a ‘person of interest’ in the investigation of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder, India has issued a stern rebuttal. The Indian government condemned this investigation as part of a deliberate strategy by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to smear India for political purposes. This diplomatic row has intensified since Trudeau’s allegations last year about Indian government agents being involved in Nijjar’s killing on Canadian soil.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Canada has failed to provide any evidence of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing, despite repeated requests. India accused Trudeau of engaging in vote bank politics and not addressing separatist elements operating in Canada.

The MEA highlighted that since Trudeau made allegations in September 2023, Canada has not shared any substantial evidence with India. It characterized this latest move as a continuation of unfounded assertions aimed at tarnishing India’s reputation for political gains.

The MEA cited long-standing evidence of Trudeau’s hostility toward India, including his 2018 visit aimed at securing votes from specific groups. It criticized Trudeau’s administration for fostering an environment where violent extremists and terrorists are permitted to threaten Indian diplomats and community leaders under the guise of freedom of speech.

India has noted that some individuals entering Canada illegally have been fast-tracked for citizenship, while multiple extradition requests for terrorists and organized crime leaders living in Canada have been ignored. The MEA described the accusations against High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma as ludicrous and deserving contempt.

In light of these developments, India has indicated that it reserves the right to take further steps in response to these allegations against its diplomats.

On October 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trudeau briefly interacted at the East Asia Summit, but Trudeau stated he would not disclose specific details of their discussion.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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