New Delhi:
In a stark escalation of diplomatic tensions, India has strongly rejected allegations from a Canadian commission report suggesting Indian interference in Canada’s federal elections. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has countered these claims by accusing Canada of persistent interference in India’s internal affairs, which India asserts has facilitated illegal migration and organized criminal activities.
The Canadian commission, led by Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue, had identified India as the second most active country, after China, in engaging in electoral foreign interference in Canada. This report, part of a broader inquiry into foreign meddling in Canadian elections, has further strained the already tense relations between the two nations.
India’s MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized that Canada’s actions have created an environment conducive to illegal migration and organized crime. The statement reiterated India’s rejection of the report’s insinuations and called for an end to the support systems enabling such illegal activities.
The Canadian report alleged that India used proxy agents to provide clandestine financial support to candidates from three political parties during a federal election. However, India has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as baseless and politically motivated.
The tensions between India and Canada have been heightened since September 2023, particularly following allegations related to the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had addressed Parliament with allegations that Indian government agents were involved in Nijjar’s death, leading to a diplomatic standoff. This incident resulted in the expulsion of diplomats by both countries in October 2023.
India has consistently refuted all allegations related to Nijjar’s death, terming them absurd and politically motivated. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had revealed evidence linking Indian diplomats and consular officials to covert and serious criminal activities in Canada, which India has also disputed.
The strained relations have significant implications, including the halt of talks on a trade agreement between the two countries since September 2023. As the diplomatic rift widens, both nations are grappling with the fallout of these serious allegations and counter-allegations.
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