Tag: canada

The High Commission of India in Ottawa condemned the violent disruptions orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp in Brampton, near Toronto…reports Asian Lite News

On a day when Khalistani elements attacked devotees outside the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, there were also reports of violent disruptions orchestrated outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto.

The High Commission of India in Ottawa condemned the violent disruptions orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp in Brampton, near Toronto.

The High Commission of India in Ottawa said in a statement, “It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organised by our Consulates with the fullest cooperation of local co-organisers.

“We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organised in the first place. Despite these efforts by anti-India elements, our Consulate was able to issue more than 1,000 life certificates to the Indian and Canadian applicants…”

The statement went on to add that there were attempts to disrupt similar camps held at Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3.

A 60-metre buffer zone was created around one of Vancouver’s largest gurdwaras following an order passed by the British Columbia Supreme Court as Sikh extremist groups planned to create ruckus during a consular camp.

Local media reported that the authorities at the Ross Street gurdwara had sought a preemptive injunction ahead of two consular camps planned for November 2 amid growing tensions between Canada and India that New Delhi has attributed to “vindictive campaign” unleashed by the government led by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, last year.

The Khalsa Diwan Society, which runs the gurdwara, said in court documents that it expects “intense protests” at the both consular camps which, the documents submitted in the court mentioned, are organised every year and help “seniors of Indian descent to complete administrative tasks with the Government of India, primarily in relation to their pensions, without the need for attending in person at the Indian consulate.”

Meanwhile, a protest by Khalistani extremists near the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton escalated into violence on Sunday, with attendees of the temple reportedly attacked.

The incident has prompted widespread condemnation from various political leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has also spoken out against the attack.

Despite the lack of arrests in connection with Brampton’s Hindu Sabha temple violence, Peel Police maintained a visible presence, with dozens of officers stationed outside the temple on Sunday noon.

Trudeau wrote, “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident.”

ALSO READ: Nepal’s foreign investment commitments reach NPR 16.4b

“No citizen should use race or religion to undermine unity or divide the nation,” stated Lord Rami Ranger, commenting on the ongoing tensions between India and Canada over the Khalistan issue

India and Canada’s row is a tragedy for two great and friendly countries, both secular and democratic, with the rule of law at the heart of the governance. Their citizen enjoys freedom and equality enshrined in their respective constitutions. The citizens are free to form political parties, choose their leaders and govern as they deem fit. However, no citizen can be allowed to use race or religion to devalue their fellow citizen to divide and rule.

Firstly, no friendly country should allow separatist groups to desecrate the flag of a friendly country with impunity, that too in front of the police. There are 1.4 billion Indians who love their national flag and leaders, and to see their national flag and leaders being repeatedly insulted is annoying and hurtful to every Indian. It is wrong of Canadian leaders to expect no reaction from the Indian government to anti-India activities by its citizens is foolish. If Canada had genuinely valued India’s friendship, it would have stopped the crude protests against India. Showing a model of India’s former Prime Minister, Mrs Gandhi, who was assassinated by her bodyguard being shot in a mock enactment, and Prime Minister Modi in a cage, showing disrespect to the Indian national flag is despicable.

Aiding and betting decent in a country proves counterproductive. Firstly, it damages race relations and social cohesion in a country. Secondly, it makes the citizens unproductive, negative and harmful. Importing the politics of any country can change the character of the country. Lebanon is a good example. It was a beautiful country. Its capital, Beirut, was known as the Paris of the Middle East. Importing the politics of Palestine destroyed itself. Canadian Prime Minister, for a few votes, has created hatred between Sikh Canadians and the rest of Indian Canadians. If this is not scoring your own goal, then what is it?

The role of a good leader is to unite their country and not divide. Sadly, Prime Minister Justine Trudeau has succeeded in dividing Canada by proving himself to champion freedom and human rights. Short-term gains for himself will prove long-term losses for his country. Before accusing India publicly of its involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen, solid cast iron proof should have been provided to the Indian authorities in private. Until today, no credible evidence has been produced.

It is unwise to take on the might of the world’s most populous and largest democracy, which also has the fourth-largest economy and is growing over 7% to 8% annually. India offers a highly skilled labour force that benefits Canada in many ways. Indian students love to study abroad and are a source of income for many Canadian Colleges and universities. Openly encouraging anti-India elements can put off these students, who could be the future leaders of Canadian industry and wealth and employment generators for Canada. Working harmoniously with India, Canada stands to get a great deal more. India is a vast market for Canadian products and services.
   
Finally, diplomatic tit for tact between the two countries will cause immense hardship for the law-abiding hardworking citizens of both countries who wish to work hard and realise their aspirations and dreams. I appeal to the leaders of both governments to look at the bigger picture and work for global peace, progress and stability. India plays an essential role by supplying doctors, engineers, and scientists to shape the modern world. India is the largest producer of affordable pharmaceuticals in the world. India played an essential role in fighting Covid-19 by producing billions of vaccines. India also sends the largest peacekeeping forces to the troubled parts of the world.

Friendship is the way forward. Rivalry benefits no one.

(Lord Rami Ranger CBE is a member of House of Lords and a successful entrepreneur. His book From Nothing to Everything is now available on Amazon)

ALSO READ: Recalled Indian envoy denies allegations by Canada

ALSO READ: Canada Says India’s Remaining Diplomats ‘Clearly On Notice’

Ambassador Verma denied allegations of directing or coercing individuals to gather information on pro-Khalistani activists, including Nijjar….reports Asian Lite News

Recalled Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, denied all charges levelled against him by Ottawa in connection with the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In an interview with Canada-based CTV News, He reiterated New Delhi’s position that “no evidence” has been shared by Ottawa on the matter, while terming the whole episode as “politically motivated”.

This comes days after Canada labelled the High Commissioner and five other Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in the killing of NIA designated terrorist Hardeep Nijjar, following which India issued a strong condemnation and recalled six diplomats including Verma.

Verma affirmed, “No evidence presented. Politically motivated.”

“Let me see what concrete evidence she is talking (foreign minister Melanie Joy) about. As I am concerned, she is talking politically,” he added.

Ambassador Verma denied allegations of directing or coercing individuals to gather information on pro-Khalistani activists, including Nijjar.

“I as High Commissioner of India had never done anything of that kind,” he stated. He explained that monitoring pro-Khalistani elements in Canada is a matter of national interest, and his team gathers information through open sources.

“We read the newspapers, we read their statements, since we understand Punjabi, so we read their social media posts and try to infer from there,” Verma clarified.

Regarding the murder of Nijjar, Verma condemned the act, saying, “Any murder is wrong and bad. I do condemn.” He emphasized India’s commitment to not engaging in extrajudicial killings on any territory, adding, “It should not happen anywhere in the world.”

Verma expressed concern over Canada’s handling of the investigation, referencing the 26 dossiers sent by India seeking cooperation. “What has happened? Don’t we do that in the extradition cases?” he asked.

The interview comes amid strained relations between India and Canada over the murder investigation.

The ties between India and Canada soured after Trudeau alleged in the Canadian Parliament last year that he has “credible allegations” of India’s hand in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India has denied all the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated” and has accused Canada of giving space to extremist and anti-India elements in their country.

Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency in 2020, was shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June last year. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Stage set for crucial BRICS summit

Ministry of External Affairs said there exists a gap between the words and actions of PM Justin Trudeau, while he claims to support ‘One India’ policy…reports Asian Lite News

Highlighting the inaction of the Canadian government against anti-India elements, the Ministry of External Affairs said there exists a gap between the words and actions of PM Justin Trudeau, while he claims to support the ‘One India’ policy.

The diplomatic row between India and Canda underwent a fresh escalation when Canada labelled India’s High Commissioner and other diplomats as “persons of interest” in the investigation of Nijjar’s death.

Following this, India decided to call back its High Commissioner and five other diplomats from Canada.

“So we have seen those comments of Prime Minister Trudeau that he believes in one India policy. But so far, the actions that we have requested against anti-India elements who actually go against one India, who call for dismemberment and disunity of the country, who spouse separatist ideology. No action has been taken,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in weekly briefing on Thursday.

“So you know in a sense there is a difference. There is a gap between action and words here,” he added.

“We have seen comments of PM Trudeau that he believes in One India policy, but so far the actions we have requested against anti-India elements, no action has been taken. There is a gap between actions and words here,” the MEA spokesperson further said.

Regarding the diplomatic fallout, the MEA stated that India had summoned Canada’s acting High Commissioner and conveyed concerns about the safety of Indian diplomats.

“We had summoned the acting High Commissioner of Canada and thereafter conveyed that we had no faith that the Canadian govt will look after the safety of our diplomats and therefore we had taken a decision to withdraw our High Commissioner and along with him 5 other diplomats, after that, there was a communication from Canadian side asking them to leave but we had withdrawn our diplomats before their decision,” Jaiswal said.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday, admitted that his government had not provided India with any hard evidence but just intelligence regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.

Testifying at Canada’s foreign interference inquiry, Trudeau said India has been insisting on evidence over allegations levelled by Canada.

“Behind the scenes (were trying) India to co-operate with us. Their ask was…give us the evidence you have on us. Our response was it is within your security agency. You should be looking into how much they know, you should be engaging… ‘No, no but show us the evidence’. At that point, it was primarily intelligence, not hard evidentiary proof. So we said let’s work together…,” he said.

Meanwhile, responding to Trudeau’s statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that Justin Trudeau “only confirms” what India has been saying “consistently all along.”

“The MEA also held Trudeau’s “cavalier behaviour” responsible for damaging India-Canada relations.

“What we have heard today only confirms what we have been saying consistently all along – Canada has presented us no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations that it has chosen to level against India and Indian diplomats,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

“The responsibility for the damage that this cavalier behaviour has caused to India-Canada relations lies with Prime Minister Trudeau alone,” he added.

The ties between India and Canada soured after Trudeau alleged in the Canadian Parliament last year that he has “credible allegations” of India’s hand in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India has denied all the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated” and has accused Canada of giving space to extremist and anti-India elements in their country.

Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency in 2020, was shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June last year.

The MEA also called out Canada for not taking any action against criminals and anti-India elements, despite multiple requests for extradition and provisional arrest being sent by India over the last decade.

MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said that there are total of 26 pending extradition requests pending with the Canadian side.

“So as far as my information is concerned, there are 26 extradition requests pending with the Canadian side. These are over the last decade or more. Along with it, there are several provisional arrest requests, which are also pending with the Canadian side of several criminals,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press conference on Thursday.

He further mentioned cetain names that are among those individuals sought for extradition; Gurjeet Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Lakbir Singh Landa, and Arshdeep Singh Gill, who are wanted on terror charges and related crimes.

“We have shared security-related information with the Canadian government regarding gang members, including those of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, and requested them to arrest them and or to take due action as per law. So far, while we have exchanged and given these information, so far no action has been taken by the Canadian side on our request. This is very serious,” Jaiswal emphasised. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Israel Takes Out Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar

India hits back as Canadian Foreign Minister Joly hints that sanctions against India are a possibility; Trudeau says Canada has shared all the information with its Five Eyes partners…reports Asian Lite News

The diplomatic row between Canada and India has taken a turn for the worse, with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly hinting that sanctions against India are a possibility. When asked about potential sanctions, Joly said, “Everything is on the table.” This comes after Indian accusations that Canada is harboring Khalistani terrorists.

Canadian Foreign Minister Joly said that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had gathered evidence in the India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing case, which was the basis for the decision to expel Indian diplomats. The Indian government was urged to support the ongoing investigation for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Taking to X, Joly said, “Keeping Canadians safe is our government’s top priority. The decision to expel individuals was based on clear evidence gathered by the RCMP in the Nijjar case. We urge the Indian government to support our ongoing investigation for the benefit of both countries.” She made the statement in response to a post shared by Canada’s Foreign Policy page on X.

India hits back

However, India rubbished all allegations of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that New Delhi had hired the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to target Khalistani elements on its soil. Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly said all options were on the table, including announcing sanctions. It’s the same old Trudeau saying the same old things for the same old reasons, official sources remarked. Both India and Canada expelled six diplomats each as part of their punitive action the previous day.

But one person who might have found it difficult to conceal a chuckle was Lawrence Bishnoi, 31, who is in Gujarat’s Sabarmati jail. By alleging that he was hired to harm the Khalistanis, Canada elevated him to the level of the once dreaded gangster Chhota Rajan, who was cultivated by India to neutralise Dawood Ibrahim some decades ago. Bishnoi’s name was recently linked to the supari murder of senior NCP leader Baba Siddiqui in Mumbai.

“India made a fundamental error in thinking that they could engage in supporting criminal activity against Canadians on Canadian soil, whether it was the murders or extortion or other violent acts,’’ claimed Trudeau.

Bilateral diplomatic ties dived following the gunning down of Khalistani radical Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia last year. Rebutting the charges, official sources said, “From the very beginning, the Canadian approach has been to make vague accusations and put the burden of denial on India.”

Trudeau working with ‘Five Eyes’

Canada has shared all the information it possesses regarding allegations of Indian officials’ involvement in the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year with its Five Eyes partners, particularly the United States, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

“From the beginning, as of last summer, we have worked closely with our Five Eyes partners, particularly with the United States, where they have gone through a similar pattern of behaviour from India in regards to an attempted extrajudicial killing,” Justin Trudeau told reporters at a news conference in Ottawa.

“We will continue to work with our allies as we stand up together for the rule of law,” the Canadian PM said. During the press conference, Justin Trudeau said the situation is extremely undesirable.

“Not only do we not want Canadians to be subjected to violence in their communities, in their homes, but we also do not want to have these tensions in relations with India,” he said.

“That is why last week, we approached the Government of India through our security agencies, diplomats and police agencies, to look for a way to resolve this deep difference…. to protect Canadians… but not to come and destroy the good relations or the relations between India and Canada,” Trudeau said.

US urges India to “cooperate”

Terming Canada’s allegations “extremely serious,” US has asked India to “cooperate” with Ottawa’s investigation into the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

“We have made clear that the Canadian allegations are extremely serious and they need to be taken seriously and we wanted to see the Government of India cooperate with Canada and its investigation. But, India has chosen an alternate path…,” US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

He emphasised the need for cooperation between the two countries, stating, “I do not have any further comment beyond what the two countries have said publicly. We have urged them to cooperate and will continue to urge them to do so.”

When questioned about the status of these allegations, Miller responded, “I will defer to those two countries to speak to the relevant status of the matter.” However, Miller reassured that the US-India bilateral relationship remain strong, citing multiple areas of collaboration.  (ANI)

ALSO READ: New Low In India, Canada Ties

India expelled six Canadian diplomats and withdrew its envoy after Canada named them in a Nijjar murder investigation, escalating diplomatic tensions…reports Asian Lite News

India on Monday expelled six Canadian diplomats and withdrew its envoy and five more officials from Canada after they were designated “persons of interest” in the investigation into the killing of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a move described by New Delhi as “preposterous” and part of the Trudeau government’s vote-bank politics.

The downgrading of diplomatic ties took the India-Canada relationship to a fresh low, a year after it was roiled by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation in September 2023 that Indian government agents were linked to the death of Nijjar, already designated a terrorist by New Delhi. At the time, India rejected the accusation as “absurd”.

On Monday morning, the external affairs ministry rejected Canada’s move to name the Indian high commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Verma, and other diplomats as “‘persons of interest’ in a matter related to an investigation. While the ministry didn’t give specifics about the probe, people familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity the probe was related to Nijjar, gunned down by unidentified men outside a gurdwara in Surrey in June 2023.

By Monday evening, Canadian charge d’affaires Stewart Wheeler was summoned to the external affairs ministry and informed by secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar that the “baseless targeting” of the Indian envoy was “completely unacceptable”. Wheeler was also told India had decided to withdraw the high commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials because the “Trudeau government’s actions endangered their safety” in an “atmosphere of extremism and violence”, the ministry said.

The people cited above said the Indian side decided to withdraw a total of six diplomats and officials, including Verma, from its high commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver. “We have no faith in the current Canadian Government’s commitment to ensure their security,” the ministry said about the decision.

The Indian side said it “reserves the right to take further steps in response to the Trudeau Government’s support for extremism, violence and separatism against India”, hinting at further retaliatory steps.

Soon after, the external affairs ministry announced the expulsion of Wheeler, deputy high commissioner Patrick Herbert, and four diplomats of the rank of first secretary. They were asked to leave India before midnight on October 19.

The people cited above said Verma was summoned by Global Affairs Canada, or the foreign ministry, late last week and given a note verbale, or unsigned diplomatic correspondence, which stated that Canadian law enforcement authorities wanted to interrogate Indian diplomats in connection with the killing of Nijjar.

“Person of interest” is a term used by law enforcement in the US and Canada for a person possibly linked to an investigation who has not been arrested or formally accused of any crime. It is usually used to refer to someone whom law enforcement personnel are interested in because they may have information that could assist the investigation.

While withdrawing Verma from Ottawa, India is expected to deny accreditation to Christopher Cooter as the next Canadian high commissioner to India, the people said. The post has been vacant since Cameron Mackay left New Delhi in June.

Meanwhile, Reuters cited a Canadian government source to report that the Indian officials in Ottawa were “expelled” after police collected evidence they were part of an Indian government “campaign of violence”. The Washington Post also reported the diplomats were expelled.

Amid these developments, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said in a briefing in Ottawa that its investigation had unearthed a “significant amount of information on the breadth and depth of criminal activity orchestrated by agents of the government of India, in consequential threats to the safety and security of Canadians and individuals living in Canada”.

RCMP officials said organised crime elements were used for this purpose, and named the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, adding it was believed to be “connected to agents of India”. RCMP commissioner Mike Duheme said there were links between Indian agents and “violent crime”, including homicides and extortion. However, Duheme didn’t directly comment on the investigation into Nijjar’s killing or offer any direct evidence.

Duheme said RCMP deputy commissioner Mark Flynn accompanied Canada’s National Security Adviser Nathalie Drouin and deputy minister of foreign affairs David Morrison to Singapore, where they met India’s NSA Ajit Doval and other officials over the weekend and apprised them of these concerns and sought cooperation.

“This evidence was presented directly to government of India officials, urging their cooperation in stemming the violence and requesting our law enforcement agencies work together to address these issues,” Duheme said.

The Washington Post reported that the meeting in Singapore was held on Saturday and lasted five hours. The Canadian side sought the meeting to warn the Indian government “that details exposing Indian involvement in attacks were likely to become public as prosecutors move forward next month with a planned trial of four suspects in Nijjar’s killing”, the report said.

Earlier on Monday, the external affairs ministry said it had received a diplomatic communication from Canada on Sunday regarding the Indian envoy and other diplomats being “persons of interest” in an investigation.

“The Government of India strongly rejects these preposterous imputations and ascribes them to the political agenda of the Trudeau Government that is centered around vote-bank politics,” the ministry said.

The ministry said that since Trudeau made the allegations last September, the Canadian government “has not shared a shred of evidence with the Government of India, despite many requests from our side”.

It added: “This latest step follows interactions that have again witnessed assertions without any facts. This leaves little doubt that on the pretext of an investigation, there is a deliberate strategy of smearing India for political gains.”

Following a brief encounter between Trudeau and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the margins of the recent Asean Summit in Laos, the Indian side told top Canadian officials that Ottawa cannot make unsubstantiated charges against the Indian government regarding Nijjar’s murder without producing evidence, according to the people cited above.

The external affairs ministry’s statement on Monday morning, which was worded in an unusually strong manner, said Trudeau’s “hostility to India has long been in evidence”.

ALSO READ: Labour MPs urge Reeves to spend more on ailing public services

Canada’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Morrison, emphasised Ottawa’s position during a hearing before the foreign interference commission…reports Asian Lite News

Canada has reaffirmed its support for India’s territorial integrity, marking the first such statement since tensions between the two nations flared last year. The tensions arose after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations that Indian government agents were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and one of India’s most-wanted terrorists. Nijjar, who was the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, in June last year.

Canada’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Morrison, emphasised Ottawa’s position during a hearing before the foreign interference commission. He stated, “Canada’s policy is very clear that India’s territorial integrity must be respected. There’s one India, and that’s been made very clear.” This clarification is seen as a signal to ease tensions and stabilize the strained India-Canada relationship.

Morrison also addressed the activities of pro-Khalistan elements residing in Canada, stating that while their actions may be “awful,” they are considered lawful under Canada’s Freedom of Speech rights. He acknowledged that many in Canada, including officials, are uncomfortable with these activities but emphasized that they remain within the bounds of Canadian law.

Canada’s declaration about respecting India’s territorial integrity is viewed as an attempt to soothe concerns in India about the Khalistani movement, which has long been a point of contention between the two nations. India has frequently expressed unease over Canada becoming a hub for pro-Khalistan supporters, while Canada has defended its commitment to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.

Relations between India and Canada hit a low after Trudeau’s allegations, which India dismissed as “absurd” and “motivated.” Following this, bilateral relations deteriorated, and trade talks between the two nations were suspended. Although Canada has been signaling a willingness to re-engage with India, there remains significant tension over the handling of pro-Khalistan activities.

Canada’s stance on free speech and its implications for pro-Khalistan groups remain a sensitive issue for both countries. However, recent efforts to clarify its position on India’s territorial integrity might signal the beginning of a possible reset in diplomatic relations.

ALSO READ: Muizzu to meet Modi