India-Canada diplomatic relations have once again come under strain following accusations from Canadian officials that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is behind alleged attacks on Khalistani separatists in Canada. The latest allegations, reportedly leaked to the American media, have led to an outpouring of frustration and condemnation from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The MEA expressed its strong objection, summoning Canadian diplomatic staff to address what it called “irresponsible and baseless” claims from Canadian officials.
The Catalyst of Rising Tensions
The accusation was first brought to light when Canadian National Security Advisor Nathalie Drouin and Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison reportedly leaked information to The Washington Post, alleging Amit Shah’s involvement in an anti-Khalistani campaign. This claim comes amidst Canada’s own internal controversies regarding Khalistan separatists and ongoing tensions related to the assassination of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whom Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had controversially alleged was killed by Indian government agents.
Canada’s latest accusations against Amit Shah have only deepened the diplomatic divide, with Indian officials calling the leaks a “deliberate strategy” aimed at damaging India’s international standing.
India’s Stern Response
Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, firmly denounced Morrison’s comments, labeling the statements as absurd and intended to tarnish India’s reputation. In response, the Indian government summoned the Canadian High Commission’s representative, demanding an explanation. Jaiswal stated that such unwarranted accusations have severe implications for Indo-Canadian relations, highlighting that Canada’s persistence in stoking baseless allegations reflects a deliberate attempt to defame India on the international stage.
Jaiswal emphasized that such actions by Canadian officials are likely to have “serious consequences” for future relations between the two countries. He added that while Canada’s Deputy Minister’s statements were unsubstantiated, they reflect a clear effort to provoke international skepticism about India’s diplomatic stance.
Diplomatic Strains Following Trudeau’s Controversial Remarks
Relations between India and Canada have been on edge since Trudeau’s initial comments linking India to Nijjar’s death, leading to reciprocal expulsions of diplomats. Despite this, the Trudeau government’s statements regarding the involvement of Indian officials have further strained diplomatic ties. The escalation continued when the Indian High Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar Verma, was reportedly listed as a suspect in the Nijjar case, creating further rifts.
International Reactions and the Role of the U.S.
The international community has begun to take note of the developments. U.S. officials have described the recent claims by Canadian officials as “disturbing” and have indicated that they are in discussions with Canadian authorities regarding the potential impacts. While the U.S. has refrained from making direct accusations, its involvement points to a growing concern over the diplomatic tensions.
Concluding Thoughts
The ongoing standoff between India and Canada reflects a complex web of political and ideological disputes. For India, these accusations serve as an unwelcome escalation from a nation it once regarded as a partner on the world stage. As both countries continue to navigate this diplomatic quagmire, the potential for deeper diplomatic consequences remains high.
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