North News
Chandigarh, October 14
India has firmly rejected Canada’s request to question its diplomats in connection with an ongoing investigation, labeling the allegations as politically motivated. In an official statement released on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded to a diplomatic communication from Canada suggesting that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats were “persons of interest” in the matter.
The MEA described Canada’s claims as “preposterous” and attributed them to the political agenda of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, which it accuses of focusing on vote bank politics. The Ministry defended High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, emphasizing his distinguished diplomatic career of over 36 years, which includes ambassadorial roles in Japan and Sudan, as well as service in Italy, Turkey, Vietnam, and China. “The aspersions cast on him are ludicrous and deserve to be treated with contempt,” the MEA said.
Since Trudeau made specific allegations against India in September 2023, the Canadian government has not provided any evidence despite multiple requests from New Delhi. “This latest step follows interactions that have again witnessed assertions without any facts,” the MEA said, indicating a deliberate strategy to smear India for political gain.
The MEA further criticised Trudeau’s long-standing hostility towards India, referencing his controversial visit to the country in 2018, which aimed to appeal to a specific voter base. It pointed out that members of Trudeau’s cabinet have been associated with extremist and separatist agendas regarding India. The MEA remarked, “His naked interference in Indian internal politics in December 2020 showed how far he was willing to go in this regard,” adding that Trudeau’s dependence on a political party whose leader espouses a separatist ideology has only exacerbated tensions.
The MEA also highlighted Canada’s neglect of foreign interference in its politics, suggesting that bringing India into the narrative serves to mitigate domestic issues facing Trudeau’s government. “This latest development targeting Indian diplomats is now the next step in that direction. It is no coincidence that it takes place as Prime Minister Trudeau is to depose before a commission on foreign interference,” the ministry added, stating that the allegations align with an anti-India separatist agenda.
Moreover, the MEA criticized the Trudeau government for providing a platform to violent extremists and terrorists, allowing them to harass and intimidate Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada. The ministry mentioned instances of death threats against Indian officials, which have been justified under the banner of freedom of speech. It also pointed out that individuals entering Canada illegally have been fast-tracked for citizenship, while multiple extradition requests from India concerning terrorists and organized crime leaders have been ignored.
In light of these allegations and the conduct of the Canadian High Commission in India, the MEA indicated that India is exercising the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic representation. The ministry reserves the right to take further steps in response to the Canadian government’s recent actions against Indian diplomats.
