The ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada highlights the complexities of balancing security concerns, combating extremism, and maintaining international relations amid rising domestic and international pressures
India-Canada Row: Key Developments This Week
India and Canada continue to experience escalating tensions in the wake of recent diplomatic controversies involving Khalistani extremism and accusations from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In a complex interplay of arrests, allegations, and strained diplomatic relations, here are the top 10 developments of the week, livemint.com reported.
- Arsh Dalla’s Arrest in Canada
Canadian authorities reportedly arrested Khalistani separatist leader Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, following a recent shooting in Milton, Ontario. Sources indicate that Dalla, considered a prominent figure in the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and a close associate of the late Hardeep Singh Nijjar, faces charges of involvement in targeted killings, terror financing, and extortion in Punjab. The Halton Regional Police arrested two individuals after the incident on October 28, yet did not officially confirm Dalla’s identity.
- Circulation of Fake ‘Secret Memo’
A fabricated memo that falsely links Indian diplomats to violent activities surfaced online, allegedly instructing them to mobilize Indian diaspora groups in Canada against Sikh extremists. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denounced the memo as a forgery, with the Ministry’s XP Division declaring that “no such memo has been issued by the Government of India.”
- MEA Response to the Fake Memo
The Indian government quickly refuted the claims surrounding the memo, emphasizing that the communication is entirely fictitious and that no such directive was ever issued.
- Amarinder Singh Criticizes Justin Trudeau
Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accusing him of “ruining” diplomatic ties with India. Singh’s remarks followed recent tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats by both countries amid escalating tensions.
RECAP
India-Canada relations took a significant downturn when Trudeau publicly alleged Indian involvement in the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist under Indian law
India rejected these accusations as “absurd” and “politically motivated,” asserting that Canada provides a haven for extremist elements that threaten Indian interests
Diplomatic exchanges have since soured, culminating in the recent recall of Indian diplomats following Canada’s designation of several Indian officials as “persons of interest.”
- Trudeau’s Stance on Extremism in Canada
Trudeau acknowledged the presence of Khalistani supporters within Canada but argued that these individuals do not represent the broader Sikh community. He noted the presence of Modi supporters in Canada, clarifying that they do not represent all Hindus within the nation.
- Suspension of Canadian Police Officer Involved in Protests
Peel Regional Police Officer Sergeant Harinder Sohi faced suspension after reportedly participating in pro-Khalistani protests, which escalated into an attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton. The incident has intensified public and diplomatic concerns surrounding the safety of Indian communities in Canada.
- Heightened Threat to Indian Diplomats in Canada
The MEA reported an increase in threats against Indian diplomats stationed in Ottawa, citing surveillance activities by unknown parties. India has formally raised this issue with Canadian authorities, expressing concerns over the security and protection of its diplomatic personnel.
- Cancellation of Consular Camps
The Indian Consulate in Toronto canceled several scheduled consular camps after Canadian security authorities could not guarantee sufficient protection. The Consulate stated on social media that due to the lack of adequate security measures, these events would be postponed until further notice.
- Tensions in Canada Over Attacks on Hindu Temples
Regional police in Canada reportedly clashed with Hindu devotees protesting recent pro-Khalistani attacks on Hindu temples, including the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton. A video circulated by a journalist captured a confrontation between law enforcement and protesters at the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Surrey.
- Controversial Suspension of Hindu Priest in Brampton
Following a violent altercation at a Brampton temple involving pro-Khalistani groups, a Hindu priest, Rajinder Parsad, was suspended due to his purported involvement in non-sanctioned protests and alleged inflammatory rhetoric. His suspension has further strained India-Canada relations, as both countries seek to control rising domestic tensions linked to this diplomatic standoff.
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