‘No evidence was presented’, government replied in Lok Sabha on Canada’s allegations

India Canada Relation: The central government told the Lok Sabha that Canada has not provided any evidence in support of the serious allegations made against Indian citizens. Congress MP Manish Tewari asked in the Lok Sabha whether the government has taken cognizance of alleged criminal activities involving Indian citizens in America and Canada. On this, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said, “The government is aware of the allegations of alleged involvement of Indian citizens in America and Canada.”

He also said that under security cooperation with the US, Indian and US agencies are sharing information related to organized crime, arms smuggling, terrorism and other crimes. Under this, a high level committee is examining the inputs shared.

India’s response to Canada’s allegations
On the allegations made by Canada, the Minister made it clear that despite making serious allegations, Canada has not provided any evidence in support of them. The government believes that such statements promote anti-India separatist agenda and can be harmful to stable bilateral relations. India has repeatedly urged Canada to take action against anti-India elements operating on its soil.

Measures to ensure safety of Indian citizens
The minister said that the safety of Indian citizens living, working and studying in America and Canada is the priority of the Indian government. Whenever these citizens face any problem, the government brings it to the notice of the concerned authorities and solves it immediately.

Reason for tension in India-Canada relations
Relations between India and Canada became tense after Justin Trudeau’s statement in which he accused Indian agents of being involved in the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India strongly denied these allegations and both countries recalled their diplomats.

allegations made by America
Meanwhile, the US claimed that a former Indian intelligence officer named Vikas Yadav, who was attached to the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), conspired to assassinate Khalistani terrorist and founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice Gurpatwant Pannu. This also included another Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, who was extradited to the US from the Czech Republic in June.

Indian government’s stance
The government made it clear in Parliament that allegations and propaganda by anti-India elements can have a negative impact on relations between India and the countries concerned. The government is verifying these allegations and assessing the possible threats related to it at both diplomatic and legal levels.