NEW DELHI: Canada‘s public narrative on the criminal cases involving Indian citizens in their country appears to be in service of “anti-India separatist agenda,” the Centre informed the Lok Sabha on Friday.
Today, Congress MP Manish Tewari asked the government, whether it has taken note of the development in the US and Canada over alleged criminal activity involving Indians.
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Replying to that query, minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh wrote a letter, stating that Canada has failed to provide “no evidence whatsoever” to substantiate its “serious allegations”.
“Persisting with such a narrative can only be harmful for any stable bilateral relationship. Government has, therefore, repeatedly urged the Canadian authorities to take action against anti-India elements operating from their soil,” PTI quoted him saying.
He also asked whether the government has “engaged diplomatically” with the governments of the US and Canada to “address concerns” regarding these cases.
“Government is aware of the allegations about the involvement of the Indian nationals in purported acts or intent in the US and Canada. As part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States, certain inputs shared by the US side pertaining to the nexus between organised criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others that impinge on India’s national security interests as well are being examined by a High-Level Enquiry Committee that has been constituted for this purpose,” the minister said.
Regarding Canada’s allegations, Singh reiterated that no substantiating evidence had been presented, suggesting that their public stance appeared to support anti-India separatist interests.
Addressing concerns about Indian nationals’ safety in these countries, Singh assured that their welfare remains paramount. He confirmed that relevant authorities are promptly notified of any issues faced by Indians in the US and Canada.
Earlier, in a November 28 Rajya Sabha response, Singh had emphasised that mutual respect for concerns, territorial integrity, and sovereignty are fundamental for maintaining stable bilateral relationships.
