In a firm response, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the Canadian government for its recent actions targeting Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and other diplomats. Speaking at an event in Pune, Jaishankar asserted that India “completely rejects” the way Canada has treated its diplomats, emphasizing that India will stand firm in defending its national interests.
The controversy escalated on October 13 when Canadian authorities named High Commissioner Verma as a “person of interest” in connection with the investigation into the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Verma expressed his dismay, describing the move as “kind of back-stabbing.” In response, India has not only recalled its high commissioner but also expelled six Canadian diplomats.
Jaishankar criticized the influence of a minority political faction in Canada, which he suggested is out of proportion to its actual size. He noted that the Canadian government’s pandering to this group is not only detrimental to India-Canada relations but also to Canada’s own political stability.
Jaishankar reiterated that India has been warning Canada about the rise of organized crime networks with extremist leanings within its borders. He expressed frustration that these concerns have largely been ignored by Canadian authorities, stating, “We were telling them and they were not listening.” Jaishankar concluded by hoping for a more “sensible and responsible” approach from Canada in the future, advocating for a relationship built on mutual respect and security.
