“Canada Failed to Act Against Terrorism for 40 Years,” Says Indian Envoy

New Delhi: India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has delivered a strong rebuke of Canadian authorities, accusing them of failing for four decades to act decisively against extremist and terrorist networks operating on their soil. In a blunt interview on Tuesday, Patnaik said prolonged inaction by Canada had fostered an environment in which anti-India extremism was allowed to grow unchecked.

The remarks came at a sensitive moment in bilateral relations, as both countries signal interest in stabilising ties and renewing economic engagement. However, the discussion quickly shifted to long-standing security concerns, particularly allegations surrounding the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Canada’s handling of separatist elements.

Patnaik firmly rejected claims that Indian agencies were involved in Nijjar’s death, questioning the lack of publicly presented evidence. He said allegations without proof could not be treated as facts and stressed that accusations alone cannot substitute for legal standards. Emphasising India’s position, he stated that the Indian government does not engage in such actions and that any wrongdoing by individuals, if proven with evidence, would be dealt with under Indian law.

Turning the focus back on Canada, the High Commissioner highlighted what he described as a pattern of double standards. He pointed to the absence of convictions related to extremist violence against India, including the unresolved legacy of the 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 329 people. According to Patnaik, despite repeated warnings and intelligence inputs shared by India, Canadian authorities have consistently cited insufficient evidence as a reason for inaction.

He also clarified that India’s objections are not about freedom of expression or referendums, but about individuals involved in violence, terrorism, or criminal activity abroad who continue to operate freely. Patnaik stressed that India expects the same evidentiary standards to apply on both sides.

While acknowledging efforts to reset ties and revive broader cooperation, the envoy underlined that a lasting improvement in relations requires a fundamental shift in Canada’s approach to security concerns. He reiterated that the principle of innocent until proven guilty must guide all actions, but warned that decades of delay have already come at a high cost.