India on Monday “strongly” dismissed a diplomatic communication from Canada, which suggested that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats were “persons of interest” in an ongoing investigation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called the allegations “preposterous imputations” and linked them to the political agenda of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.
In a statement, the MEA referred to allegations made by Trudeau in September 2023, but emphasised that the Canadian government has yet to provide any evidence to support their claims, despite multiple requests from India.
“We have received a diplomatic communication from Canada suggesting that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats are ‘persons of interest’ in an investigation. The Government of India strongly rejects these preposterous imputations, attributing them to the political agenda of the Trudeau Government, which is driven by vote bank politics,” the MEA stated.
The ministry expressed frustration at Canada’s failure to provide any factual evidence to substantiate the allegations, accusing the Trudeau administration of a deliberate smear campaign against India for political gain. “This latest step, like previous interactions, is marked by assertions without facts. It leaves little doubt that there is a strategy to smear India under the guise of an investigation for narrow political purposes,” the statement continued.
The MEA also noted that Prime Minister Trudeau has long exhibited hostility towards India, dating back to his 2018 visit, which was criticised for pandering to a domestic vote bank. The ministry highlighted that Trudeau’s cabinet has included individuals with links to extremist and separatist groups that oppose India.
“Trudeau’s interference in Indian domestic matters became evident in December 2020, showing how far he is willing to go to support this agenda,” the MEA added. It further pointed out that Trudeau’s government is reliant on a political party whose leader openly supports separatism in India, which has further strained relations between the two nations.
The MEA suggested that Trudeau’s actions are part of an attempt to deflect criticism over his handling of foreign interference in Canadian politics. “This latest targeting of Indian diplomats comes as Prime Minister Trudeau is set to testify before a commission on foreign interference, and conveniently serves the anti-India separatist narrative that his government has consistently indulged for political gains,” the statement read.
The MEA also accused the Canadian government of providing a safe haven for extremists and terrorists who have harassed and threatened Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada. It cited cases of death threats made against Indian officials, with such activities being justified under the guise of free speech.
“Trudeau’s government has allowed violent extremists and terrorists to intimidate Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada, including issuing death threats. These actions have been excused as freedom of speech. Moreover, individuals who have entered Canada illegally have been fast-tracked for citizenship, and multiple extradition requests for terrorists and organised crime figures living in Canada have been ignored,” the MEA said.
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