(Image source from: x.com/AmitShah)
The Canadian government's claims that India's Home Minister Amit Shah had ordered the targeting of Khalistani extremists in Canada were described by India as "absurd and baseless." India summoned a Canadian diplomat and delivered a diplomatic note expressing its strong protest against these allegations made by the Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison before a committee. India stated that this proves high-ranking Canadian officials intentionally leak unsubstantiated claims to the media, and warned that such actions will significantly impact the relationship between the two countries.
The Indian government has accused the Canadian government of deliberately spreading unsubstantiated claims to the international media in order to discredit India and influence other nations. The Indian spokesperson stated that such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for the countries' bilateral relations. Additionally, the Indian government has responded to reports that China has labeled India as an "adversary" in its National Cyber Threat Assessment, calling it another example of making accusations without evidence. The Indian government also said that some of its consular officials were informed by Canada that they were under surveillance, which the Indian government views as a blatant violation of diplomatic protocols and a form of harassment and intimidation.
The individuals continue to be monitored through audio and visual means. Their communications have also been intercepted. We have officially complained to the Canadian Government as we consider these actions to be a clear breach of relevant diplomatic and consular agreements, stated Mr Jaiswal.
The Canadian government's actions, such as citing technicalities, are seen as harassment and intimidation towards diplomatic and consular personnel who are already operating in an environment of extremism and violence. This aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices. The Indian community has expressed backlash over the Canadian opposition leader's cancellation of Diwali celebrations at Parliament Hill, which reflects the high levels of intolerance and extremism in the current Canadian atmosphere. The Indian government is monitoring the well-being and security of Indian students and temporary workers in Canada, as the ties between the two countries have been strained since the Canadian Prime Minister's unsubstantiated claim last year about "Indian agents" being involved in a Khalistani terrorist's killing.
The Indian High Commissioner was recently labeled as a "person of interest" in a killing, which India considered an absurd accusation. In response, India withdrew its High Commissioner and some other diplomats, while also expelling six diplomats, including Canada's acting High Commissioner.
