India Downgrades Ties with Canada Over Extremism

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

India has highlighted the “atmosphere of extremism and violence” as a reason for the downgrading of ties with Canada. The Canadian Charge d’Affaires was summoned for the baseless targeting of Indian diplomats. Expressing concerns for safety, India decided to withdraw its envoy and other diplomats.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

India has expressed serious concerns about the downgrading of ties with Canada, linking it to the “atmosphere of extremism and violence.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Canadian Charge d’Affaires on Monday, stating that the baseless targeting of Indian diplomats, including the High Commissioner, is entirely unacceptable. During the meeting, it was emphasized that the actions of the Canadian government pose a significant threat to the safety of Indian diplomats.

The MEA stated, “We have no faith in the current Canadian Government’s commitment to ensure their security. Therefore, the Government of India has decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats.” It was also made clear that India reserves the right to take additional measures in response to what it perceives as the Trudeau government’s tacit support for extremism, violence, and separatism against India.

Earlier, India delivered a sharp rebuttal to Canada’s accusations, labeling them as “preposterous imputations.” The MEA also criticized the Canadian government for failing to provide any evidence of India’s alleged involvement in Nijjar’s killing despite repeated requests for clarification. Furthermore, Prime Minister Trudeau was accused of engaging in vote bank politics and not taking adequate action against separatist groups within Canada.

Since September 2023, diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Ottawa have significantly deteriorated following Trudeau’s claims that Indian government agents were implicated in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. New Delhi has dismissed these allegations as “motivated and absurd.”

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