The Indian government has informed Parliament that Canada has provided “no evidence whatsoever” to support its “serious allegations” implicating Indian citizens in crimes within its borders.
Responding to a query by Congress MP Manish Tewari in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated, “Government is aware of the allegations about the involvement of Indian nationals in purported acts or intent in the US and Canada.”
He elaborated that as part of ongoing security cooperation with the US, inputs concerning links between organized criminals, gun runners, and terrorists impacting India’s national security are under examination by a High-Level Enquiry Committee.
However, regarding Canada, Singh said, “It has presented no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations it has chosen to level.”
Manish Tewari also questioned the government on the allegations’ impact on India’s relations with the US and Canada and measures taken to ensure the safety of Indian citizens abroad. Singh emphasized, “Persisting with such a narrative can only be harmful for any stable bilateral relationship. Government have therefore repeatedly urged the Canadian authorities to take action against anti-India elements operating from their soil.”
He assured that the safety of Indians in the US and Canada remains a priority. “Issues faced by Indian nationals… are brought to the attention of relevant authorities… for swift redressal,” he added.
India’s ties with Canada worsened after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau alleged Indian agents might be linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim strongly refuted by New Delhi. The fallout saw mutual expulsion of diplomats.
Separately, the US alleged a failed plot involving Vikash Yadav, a former R&AW officer, and Nikhil Gupta, extradited from Czechia, targeting Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Pannun.
