India completely rejects targeting of our high commissioner by Canadian govt: Jaishankar

EAM Jaishankar rejects Canada's targeting of Indian diplomats, highlighting organized crime presence and sovereignty concerns.

“India first raised the presence of organised crime in Canada but the issue was ignored because of a permissive atmosphere for a long time,” External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said on Saturday (October 26, 2024), rejecting the targeting of its High Commissioner and diplomats by the Mr. Trudeau government.

Speaking at an event in Pune on the subject 'Emerging Opportunities in the Present Global Scenario', the diplomat-turned-politician said India will obviously take a tough position, which has been taken when its national interest, integrity and sovereignty are concerned.

"We completely reject the manner in which the Canadian Government targeted our High Commissioner and diplomats," Mr. Jaishankar said in response to a question.

Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma was declared a "person of interest" by Canada on October 13, 2024 in its investigation into the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who has been declared a Khalistani terrorist by India.

Before Canada could take further action, New Delhi recalled Mr. Verma and five other diplomats, who were also similarly named.

In response, India also expelled six Canadian diplomats. The diplomatic row escalated further with Ottawa hinting at possible sanctions against India, which has trashed the allegations, including those levelled by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The Canadian authorities also accused Indian agents of involvement in “homicides, extortion and violent acts targeting pro-Khalistan supporters and even attempted to link the Bishnoi gang to unspecified criminal activities on Canadian soil.”