New Delhi: India has firmly rejected a diplomatic communication from Canada, which alleged that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats were ‘persons of interest’ in an ongoing investigation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the claims as “baseless and politically motivated,” accusing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of using India as part of his domestic political agenda.
The MEA, in a statement on Monday, condemned the communication, stating, “The Government of India strongly rejects these preposterous imputations and ascribes them to the political agenda of the Trudeau government, which is centred around vote bank politics.”
The Indian government also criticised the Canadian authorities for failing to provide any evidence to support their allegations. “Since Prime Minister Trudeau made certain allegations in September 2023, the Canadian Government has not shared a shred of evidence with the Government of India, despite many requests from our side. This latest step follows interactions that have again witnessed assertions without any facts,” the MEA said.
Trudeau’s anti-India stance
India’s response highlighted Prime Minister Trudeau’s perceived long-standing hostility towards the country. It referenced Trudeau’s controversial visit to India in 2018, which was widely seen as an attempt to appeal to a specific political base in Canada. According to the Indian government, Trudeau’s actions and appointments have often favoured individuals linked to separatist movements in India.
The MEA further criticised Trudeau’s government for allowing space to extremists who have threatened Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada, often under the guise of free speech. The statement accused Canada of disregarding multiple extradition requests related to terrorists and organised crime leaders residing in the country.
The allegations by the Canadian government have specifically targeted High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, one of India’s most senior diplomats. The MEA underscored Verma’s distinguished career spanning 36 years, during which he has held high-ranking positions in Japan, Sudan, Italy, Turkey, Vietnam, and China. The aspersions cast on him by the Canadian authorities were labelled “ludicrous” and undeserving of any credibility.
India’s diplomatic response
In light of these developments, India has reiterated its right to take further steps in response to what it perceives as unfounded allegations and a deliberate attempt to tarnish its diplomats. The MEA indicated that India has already implemented the principle of reciprocity regarding Canadian diplomatic representation and reserves the right to escalate its measures if necessary.
The ongoing diplomatic row comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the two nations, with India accusing the Trudeau government of deliberately advancing an anti-India separatist agenda for political gains.
Prime Minister Trudeau is also set to testify before a commission investigating foreign interference in Canadian politics, which India claims has influenced the Canadian government’s actions towards the country.
