The diplomatic rift between India and Canada has significantly escalated following the recent revelations surrounding the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made serious allegations, claiming that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a notorious criminal syndicate in India, was involved in Nijjar's murder in September 2022. Trudeau further alleged that Indian diplomats were not only aware of this but were actively passing information to members of the Bishnoi gang, suggesting collusion between criminal elements and Indian officials. Despite these accusations, Trudeau admitted during his testimony before Canada’s foreign interference inquiry that Canada had provided India with "intelligence" but no definitive proof linking India to the killing. This has raised questions about the credibility of the claims and Canada’s evidence in the matter.
India, on the other hand, has been vocal about its longstanding concerns regarding the lack of action from Canada on various extradition requests. According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, India had requested the extradition of several individuals associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang years ago. These individuals include Gurjit Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Arshdeep Singh Gill, Lakhbir Singh Landa, and Gurpreet Singh, who are believed to be involved in criminal activities linked to the gang. Despite India's formal requests, which have been followed up on multiple occasions, Canada has yet to respond or take action. This inaction has been a point of contention, with India expressing frustration over the lack of cooperation from Canadian authorities.
Jaiswal also pointed out that Canada frequently cites its commitment to "freedom of speech" as a reason for not acting against individuals or groups that promote anti-India rhetoric or separatist activities, particularly those associated with the Khalistan movement. This stance has been a source of ongoing tension between the two nations, as India views Canada's leniency towards these elements as a direct threat to its national security and sovereignty.
The situation took a more serious turn earlier this week when Trudeau openly named the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in connection with Nijjar's assassination and claimed that Indian diplomats were collecting and passing information to the gang. This accusation, followed by Canada’s designation of top Indian diplomats in Ottawa as 'persons of interest' in the investigation, has further strained diplomatic ties. In response, India dismissed the claims and, as a retaliatory measure, recalled six of its top diplomats from Canada, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma. This diplomatic withdrawal is a clear signal of India's discontent and further deterioration in the relationship.
The MEA has also emphasized that since the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in September 2022, Canada has not shared any credible evidence with India despite several public and diplomatic engagements on the issue. India has repeatedly expressed its position, both in private and through multiple press releases, that the Canadian government has not provided any substantial information to back its accusations.
These developments mark a low point in India-Canada relations, which have already been fraught due to disagreements over how to handle the activities of Khalistani separatists in Canada. The involvement of criminal syndicates like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, along with accusations of diplomatic misconduct, adds a layer of complexity to an already volatile situation. The lack of a response from Canada on extradition requests, combined with Trudeau's recent allegations, has created a diplomatic impasse with no immediate resolution in sight. As both nations stand firm in their respective positions, the path to reconciliation seems increasingly difficult, leaving the future of India-Canada relations uncertain at best.
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