India denies Canada’s claims of diplomat-criminal gang links
India calls Canada's allegations preposterous, withdraws diplomats amid safety concerns
India strongly dismissed Canada’s accusations on Tuesday, alleging that Indian diplomats collaborated with transnational crime gangs. Officials labelled the claims as “simply not true”. According to government sources, Canadian officials, including Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheelers, repeatedly claimed they had presented credible evidence to India. However, India countered that the Canadian approach involved vague accusations and placing the burden of denial on India.
Earlier on Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of making ‘a fundamental error’ by allegedly engaging in violent acts such as murders or extortion against Canadians on Canadian soil. Trudeau asserted that Canada confronted India with evidence to halt ongoing violence against Canadian citizens. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly urged cooperation to investigate the allegations and stressed that Canada does not seek a diplomatic confrontation with India.
India called Canada’s move to scrutinise its diplomats “preposterous” and attributed it to the political agenda of Trudeau’s government. New Delhi voiced serious concerns about the safety of its diplomats, blaming an atmosphere of “extremism and violence” encouraged by the Trudeau administration. Consequently, India decided to withdraw its High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, along with other officials, citing a lack of trust in the Canadian Government’s commitment to their security.
#VantageOnFirstpost: India has strongly denied Canada's claims of providing credible evidence linking Indian diplomats to the murder of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. @Palkisu decodes the latest chapter in India-Canada tensions. pic.twitter.com/ueeNJZmIQ7
— Firstpost (@firstpost) October 15, 2024
**Timeline of the India-Canada diplomatic row:**
– **September 2023:** Trudeau informs parliament that Canada is investigating links between Indian government agents and the killing of Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India in 2020 and was shot dead by masked gunmen outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia.
– **September 2023:** India halts issuing new visas for Canadians and requests Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in India. Visa issuance resumes two months later.
– **October 2023:** Canada withdraws 41 diplomats from India amid the dispute.
– **November 2023:** India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) files a case against Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, alleging he warned Air India passengers of danger through video messages on social media.
– **February 2024:** India’s High Commissioner states in an interview with Canada’s Globe and Mail that India will not share information with Canadian investigators regarding Nijjar’s murder until Canada provides evidence.
– **August 2024:** Canadian police warn Pannun, an aide to Nijjar, of an increased threat to his life, according to a prominent Sikh separatist.
– **October 2024:** India expels six Canadian diplomats and recalls its ambassador after they are designated as “persons of interest” in the investigation into Nijjar’s killing.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Economic Times reports India strongly rejects Canada’s allegations, denouncing them as baseless, amid escalating diplomatic tensions and expulsions of Canadian diplomats.(read more)
- The Hindu reports India denying Canada’s accusations, calling them absurd and politically motivated, amidst a diplomatic crisis over the murder of a Sikh activist in Canada.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did India say about the accusations from Canada?
India strongly dismissed the accusations, stating they are ‘simply not true’.
What evidence did Canada claim to have against India?
Canada claimed to have credible evidence but India countered that the accusations were vague.
What action did India take in response to the accusations?
India withdrew its High Commissioner to Canada and other officials, citing safety concerns.
Why did Canada withdraw 41 diplomats from India in October 2023?
Canada withdrew the diplomats amid the ongoing diplomatic dispute with India.
What was the outcome of the investigation into Nijjar’s murder by November 2023?
India’s National Investigation Agency filed a case against Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
