New Delhi: The Indian government on Friday reiterated that Canada still has not presented “no evidence whatsoever” to back its “serious allegations” that Justin Trudeau has levelled against New Delhi, the Lok Sabha was informed in a written reply by the Centre.
The response came to a question of whether the government has taken into cognisance the recent developments in criminal cases allegedly involving Indian citizens in Canada.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response, stated, “In addition, Canada’s public narrative on this issue appears to serve an anti-India separatist agenda.” He emphasised that such a narrative could harm the prospects of a stable bilateral relationship. The government has consistently urged Canadian authorities to take action against anti-India elements operating from their territory, he added.
Congress MP Manish Tewari had inquired whether the Union government had taken note of recent developments in criminal cases allegedly involving “Indian citizens/officials in the United States and Canada” and the potential impact of these cases on India’s bilateral relations with the two nations. He also asked if the government had diplomatically engaged with the US and Canadian governments to address concerns related to these cases.
Responding to the query, Singh said the government is aware of allegations involving Indian nationals in purported acts or intentions in the US and Canada. As part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States, certain inputs shared by US authorities regarding links between organised criminals, gun runners, terrorists, and others that affect India’s national security are being reviewed by a High-Level Enquiry Committee set up for this purpose.
Regarding Canada, Singh said, “It has presented no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations it has chosen to level.” He reiterated the view that Canada’s public stance on these matters appears aligned with an anti-India separatist agenda.
Addressing concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in the US and Canada, Singh assured that the welfare, safety, and security of Indians living, working, and studying in these countries remain a top priority for the Indian government. Issues faced by Indian nationals are promptly brought to the attention of relevant authorities in these nations for swift resolution.
In a previous written response to the Rajya Sabha on November 28, Singh had noted that “respect for each other’s concerns, territorial integrity, and sovereignty are essential for a stable bilateral relationship.”
