Top government sources said Canada is putting unnecessary pressure on New Delhi for a “designated terrorist” and not providing enough evidence to support its stand
Canada is likely to respond soon to India’s move of withdrawing its top envoy as well as other “targeted” diplomats and officials over the country’s attempt to link them to a probe into the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
According to top government sources, Canada will also take similar steps. They said the country is putting unnecessary pressure on New Delhi for a “designated terrorist” and not providing enough evidence to support its stand.
The sources told CNN-News18 that Canadian counterparts have clearly said their behaviour and conduct is not to go in for diplomatic solutions.
What did India say?
The ministry of external affairs (MEA) made the decision to withdraw the Indian high commissioner and other top diplomats shortly after summoning the Canadian charge d’affaires.
“The Canadian Charge d’Affaires was summoned by Secretary (East) this evening. He was informed that the baseless targeting of the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats and officials in Canada was completely unacceptable,” it said.
The ministry further said it was underlined during the meeting that it had no faith in the current Canadian government’s commitment to ensure the security of Indian officials. “…In an atmosphere of extremism and violence, the Trudeau government’s actions endangered their safety,” it said.
“Therefore, the Government of India has decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials. It was also conveyed that India reserves the right to take further steps in response to the Trudeau government’s support for extremism, violence and separatism against India,” it added.
