India has issued a firm rebuttal to recent accusations from the Canadian government, which labeled Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, as “persons of interest” in an ongoing investigation. In a strongly worded statement on October 14, 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denounced the claims as “preposterous” and politically driven, linking them to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s longstanding hostility towards India.
The MEA highlighted that since Trudeau’s initial allegations in September 2023, accusing India of involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada has yet to provide any concrete evidence. India contended that Trudeau’s government is using these allegations to divert attention from growing criticism at home, particularly as he faces scrutiny over foreign interference in Canadian politics ahead of his upcoming testimony before a commission.
India further criticized Trudeau’s administration for allegedly enabling violent extremists and separatists to operate freely in Canada, which it said threatens Indian diplomats and community leaders. The MEA underscored that Trudeau’s previous actions, such as his controversial 2018 visit to India and his comments on India’s internal matters, have shown a clear bias against the country.
The statement concluded with India reserving the right to pursue further diplomatic measures in response to what it called fabricated allegations. The escalating tensions between India and Canada have put their diplomatic relations on a fragile footing, worsened by Trudeau’s controversial remarks and actions over the past year.
