New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs, in a late-night statement on Wednesday, rebuked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his admission that his country has presented only intelligence input and no “hard proof” to India. In a sharp reaction, the MEA said that the responsibility for deteriorating diplomatic ties rests on PM Trudeau.
“The responsibility for the damage that this cavalier behaviour has caused to India-Canada relations lies with Prime Minister Trudeau alone,” the MEA statement said.
Testifying before a Commission of Inquiry into foreign interference in Canada’s federal electoral processes and democratic institutions on October 15, Trudeau admitted to having only intelligence speculation and no “hard evidentiary proof” to support the claims of India’s involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
“What we have heard today only confirms what we have been saying consistently all along – Canada has presented us (India) no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations that it has chosen to level against India and Indian diplomats,” MEA added.
Trudeau also accused Indian diplomats of “collecting information on Canadians who are in disagreement” with the Indian government and passing it to the highest levels within the Indian government and criminal organisations like the Bishnoi gang.”
When Trudeau made similar accusations two days ago, India offered a strong rebuttal.
“The Canadian government has not shared a shred of evidence with the Government of India, despite many requests from our side. This latest step follows interactions that have again witnessed assertions without any facts. This leaves little doubt that on the pretext of an investigation, there is a deliberate strategy of smearing India for political gains.”