India Canada Relation: Centre Rejects Canada Allegations, Says No Evidence Presented Against Indians

The Indian government informed Parliament that Canada has presented "no evidence whatsoever" to substantiate its allegations of Indian involvement in criminal activities on Canadian soil. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, addressing a query from Congress MP Manish Tewari in the Lok Sabha, highlighted the baseless nature of the claims while affirming India’s commitment to the safety and security of its nationals abroad.

Centre Rejects Canada's Allegations Against Indian Citizens

Singh stated, "Government is aware of the allegations about the involvement of Indian nationals in purported acts or intent in the US and Canada. Insofar as Canada is concerned, it has presented no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations it has chosen to level." He further criticized Canada’s public narrative, describing it as aligned with an "anti-India separatist agenda," which threatens stable bilateral relations.

India Cites Lack of Evidence, Highlights Anti-India Narrative

The allegations stem from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s earlier claims linking Indian agents to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist. This sparked diplomatic tensions, leading to the expulsion of diplomats from both nations.

Responding to concerns about potential fallout on Indo-Canadian relations, Singh said the government has consistently urged Canadian authorities to act against anti-India elements operating from their territory.

In contrast, India’s security cooperation with the US continues to address concerns over organized crime and terrorism. Singh revealed that a High-Level Enquiry Committee is examining inputs from the US, including allegations against Vikash Yadav, a former Indian intelligence officer, for a failed assassination plot targeting Gurpatwant Pannun, founder of the banned Sikhs For Justice organization.

Singh reassured Parliament of the government’s commitment to safeguarding Indian nationals abroad and addressing any issues faced by them. While relations with Canada remain strained, India continues to engage diplomatically to mitigate the impact of these allegations and uphold its national interests.