MEA: Canada must act against Khalistanis targeting diplomats

India on Thursday bluntly told Canada to act against pro-Khalistan elements with links to organised crime that are targeting Indian diplomats, even as it said that Ottawa has not shared any specific information to back up their allegation of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar

- Rezaul H Laskar

On the contrary, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told a media briefing that Canada needs to act on “very specific evidence” shared by India on criminal activities by terrorists and extremists based on Canadian soil. He also pointed to Pakistan’s involvement in funding and supporting these elements in Canada. 

The sharp messaging came against the backdrop of the free fall in India-Canada relations since PrimeMinister Justin Trudeau pointed on Monday to a “potential link” between Indian government agents and the slaying of Nijjar, aman that was designated as terrorist by India. New Delhi has dismissed Trudeau’s allegations, and Bagchi said India has informed the Canadian side it is “willing to look at any specific information” provided about the case.