India today blamed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for damaging bilateral relations by leveling baseless allegations against the Indian government and its diplomats.
Trudeau To Blame
It blamed the Trudeau government for precipitating a crisis by making politically motivated allegations without giving any evidence.
Canadian Government’s Inaction On Over Two Dozen Extradition Requests
The Ministry of External Affairs blamed the Canadian government for not acting for over a decade on 26 extradition requests by India as also provisional arrest requests of some criminals there.
Allegations Sans Evidence
At the weekly media briefing, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Canada has presented us no evidence whatsoever of the very serious allegations that it has chosen to level against India and Indian diplomats.’’
He said, “ The responsibility for the damage that this cavalier behaviour has caused to India-Canada relations lies with Prime Minister Trudeau alone.’’
Pending Extradition And Provisional Arrest Requests
To questions regarding extradition requests from India for Lawrence Bishnoi and attacks on Canadian journalists of Indian origin, he drew attention to pending provisional arrest requests of some criminals charged with terror and related crimes.
These include Gurjeet Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Lakhbir Singh Landa and Arshdeep Singh Gill.’’
Jaiswal said that India has shared security related information with the Canadian government regarding gang members including those of Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
No Action On India’s Repeated Requests To Arrest Separatists
India has asked Canada time and again to arrest separatists indulging in anti India activity as its a security issue.
“ So far, no action has been taken by the Canadian side against anti India elements. This is very serious. We believe that they are being encouraged there.”
Pattern To Smear India Is Politically Motivated
“ We also see that there is a pattern to smear India that is motivated by political considerations on the part of the Canadian Trudeau government.’’
On comments made by several countries, the MEA “We have made our position very clear on this particular matter.’’
He went on to say that since September, 2023, the Canadian government has not shared a shred of information with India.
India Asked Its Acting HC And Other Diplomats To Return
Replying to a question, Jaiswal said that India had summoned the Acting Canadian High Commission and conveyed that it had no faith that the Canadian government would look after the safety our diplomats.
“Therefore, we decided to withdraw our High Commissioner and alongwith five other diplomats.’’
Communication From Canadian Side On Diplomats Came Later
He said, “ Subsequently, we saw that there was a communication from the Canadian side asking them to leave but we had withdrawn our diplomats by then.’’
The MEA said that the Indian government has asked its diplomats to come back by 11.59 p.m. on October 19.
Bright Side Of The Relationship
Jaiswal said that the situation is evolving but presented the bright side of the relationship which has blossomed over the years.
He said, “ India and Canada have a broad-based partnership. India Canada economic ties are very strong.”
Large Indian Diaspora In Canada
Jaiswal further said, “We have a large Indian diaspora which is the bridge through which we maintain strong people to people links with Canada.” India also has a large number of international students in Canada.
He said, “Canada is a major beneficiary of all these linkages that we have.’’
India Will Take Measures In National Interest
The MEA said that the government will continue to take all necessary measures in its national interest against those indulging in anti India activity.
The MEA spokesperson said that India has asked Canada to deport these people but strangely, India is being blamed for the crimes they are committing there.
MEA Condemns Attacks On Indian Origin Journalists In Canada
Jaiswal described several recent attacks on Indian origin journalists in Canada as “ clear examples of intimidation and violence by those who espouse extremist and separatist ideology.’’
“ These are also examples of what afflicts Canada today. Shifting the blame to India does not work in any manner.’’
On the U.S. State department’s comments, Jaiswal said, “ As regards the allegations, you would have seen PM Trudeau’s own admission yesterday which indicates the value.’’
India Rejects False Imputations Against Its Diplomats
He added, “ As regards our stance on the allegations, we would naturally reject false imputations against our diplomats.’’
He said that about 17 to 18 lakh persons of Indian origin live in Canada. Some of them are also Canadian citizens.
“The Indians there are in regular touch with the Indian High Commission and its consulates.’’
India Expects That The Canadian Government Will Keep Indian Diaspora Safe
He added, “ Their security is in the hands of the government there and we expect that the government will keep them secure.’’
He clarified that the Indian consulates have not stopped issuance of visas and will do its best with limited resources.
