Mon Oct 14 19:10:26 UTC 2024: ## India Rejects Canada’s Allegations of Involvement in Khalistani Terrorist’s Killing
**New Delhi, India:** The Indian government has vehemently rejected allegations made by Canada that Indian diplomats, including the High Commissioner, were involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In a strongly worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday termed the accusations as “absurd” and “motivated by Trudeau’s political ambitions and vote bank politics.”
The MEA statement pointed out that Canada had accused Indian officials of involvement in Nijjar’s killing without providing any evidence. India has demanded that Canada present concrete proof to support these “serious allegations.”
India highlighted the history of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “hostility” towards India, citing his 2018 visit to India, which “proved to be inconvenient for him” due to his attempts to appease a particular vote bank. The MEA also criticized Trudeau for harboring individuals with “extremist and separatist agendas” against India in his cabinet.
The statement further criticized Trudeau’s intervention in India’s internal politics in December 2020, which, according to the MEA, highlighted his government’s willingness to appease a political party led by an individual who openly advocates for separatism against India.
The MEA also accused Canada of deliberately dragging India into a fabricated scandal to deflect criticism over its own handling of foreign interference in Canadian politics. The statement highlighted the timing of the allegations coinciding with Trudeau’s upcoming testimony before the Commission of Inquiry into Foreign Interference, further fueling suspicion of a calculated maneuver.
The MEA underlined that Canada has failed to share any evidence with India regarding the allegations against Nijjar. It accused the Canadian government of launching a “propaganda campaign” against India under the guise of an investigation.
The statement also condemned Canada’s tolerance of terrorists on its soil, who are using their position to harass and intimidate Indian diplomats and community leaders. India expressed concern about the increasing threats against its diplomats and leaders, including death threats, which are being excused by Canada as “freedom of expression.”
The MEA dismissed the allegations against High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma as “ridiculous” and worthy of “contempt.” It also highlighted India’s concerns about the activities of the Canadian High Commission in India, which it believes are aligned with the political agenda of the Trudeau government.
In response, India has invoked the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic representation and reserved the right to take further action against Canada’s fabricated accusations.
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