Diplomatic Row: Canada’s Allegations Politically Driven, Says India

Pic courtesy ANI

New Delhi: Hours after India suspended issue of visas to Canadian citizens till further notice, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Canada’s allegations against India are politically driven.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi’s statement come at a time when India and Canada’s diplomatic ties have hit the lowest point after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was wanted in India for years.

Bagchi reiterated that Canada hasn’t yet shared any specific information regarding the allegations.

“From our side, very specific evidence of criminal activities based on Canadian soil has been shared with the Canadian authorities on a regular basis but has not been acted upon,” Bagchi said during during a weekly media briefing on Thursday.

It may be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed India’s displeasure about Canada’s handling of the Khalistan issue to PM Trudeau on the sidelines of G20 leaders’ meet in New Delhi earlier this month.

“We are aware of the security threats being faced by our high commission and consulates in Canada. This has disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly, our high commission and consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications. We will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis,” Bagchi said today.

Both countries have already expelled each other’s diplomats.