India Rejects Canada's Allegations: Politically Motivated Claims, No Evidence of Terrorism Involvement

In a diplomatic standoff, India has firmly rejected Canada's allegations, labeling them as politically motivated and devoid of concrete evidence implicating Indian agents in the controversial killing of Khalistan militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Indian government maintains its stance that these allegations are baseless and unjustified.

No Evidence, No Action

One glaring issue in this dispute is the absence of any specific information shared by Canada with India to substantiate their claims. India's Ministry of External Affairs, represented by spokesperson Bagchi, has expressed a willingness to investigate any credible evidence provided by Canada. However, as of now, no such evidence has been forthcoming. There is no documented proof of any criminal activity involving Indian agents on Canadian soil, either currently or in the past.

Security Concerns for Indian Diplomatic Missions

Meanwhile, concerns over security have risen concerning Indian Consulates in Canada. Bagchi emphasized that regardless of the country they operate in, it is the host nation's responsibility to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic missions. Unfortunately, both the Indian High Commission and the Indian Consulate have faced security threats, resulting in the suspension of visa services. However, it has been announced that a reevaluation of this situation will take place in the near future.

Canada's Image Problem

In the midst of this diplomatic rift, India has raised concerns about Canada serving as a safe haven for terrorists and separatists. India believes that Canada must address these image problems and take action against potential threats on its soil. Bagchi pointed out that unlike Canada, India does not face such issues and that Canada's leniency in providing secure facilities to terrorists has contributed to their tarnished image on the global stage.

Cross-Border Terrorism

India has not hesitated to underscore that terrorism, particularly in the context of the Khalistan movement, is funded and supported by Pakistan. Bagchi noted that this issue is not unique to India, as it extends to other foreign countries, including Canada. India has even shared concrete evidence of criminal activities occurring on Canadian soil, but the Indian government asserts that Canada has yet to take any meaningful action in response.

Diplomatic Tensions and Reduction in Embassy Staff

The diplomatic dispute has escalated to the point where Canada has sought diplomatic intervention. India, however, views this as interference in its internal affairs and, in response, has reduced the number of Canadian Embassy staff members. This rift reached a high point when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations against India during the G20 summit. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly rejected these claims, further complicating the diplomatic relations between the two nations.

In summary, the allegations made by Canada have strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. India vehemently denies any wrongdoing, citing a lack of evidence to support the claims. The security of Indian diplomatic missions in Canada remains a significant concern, and both nations seem entrenched in their positions as they navigate this complex diplomatic challenge.

India rejects Canada's politically motivated allegations of its involvement in terrorism. Canada has provided no evidence, and security concerns for Indian diplomatic missions in Canada persist. India also raises concerns about Canada as a safe haven for terrorists. The dispute has escalated, resulting in a reduction of Canadian Embassy staff and strained diplomatic relations.

By : Sunil Kumar, Attingal.