In a significant diplomatic move, India has lodged a formal protest against Canada over allegations made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned a representative from the Canadian High Commission, expressing strong disapproval of the accusations and warning of potential repercussions for bilateral relations.
The allegations and India's response
The controversy erupted when Canadian officials allegedly leaked unfounded insinuations to international media, accusing Amit Shah of targeting Khalistan separatists in Canada. The MEA, in a press briefing, condemned these actions, stating that such irresponsible behavior could have serious consequences for the relationship between the two nations.
MEA's strong stance
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the media, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "Regarding the latest Canadian target, we summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission yesterday. It was conveyed in the note that the Government of India protests in the strongest terms to the absurd and baseless references made to the Union Home Minister of India before the Committee by Deputy Minister David Morrison," Jaiswal stated.
He further added, "The revelation that high Canadian officials deliberately leak unfounded insinuations to the international media as part of a conscious strategy to discredit India and influence other nations only confirms the view that the government of India has long held about the current Canadian government’s political agenda and behavioral pattern. Such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties."
Background of the allegations
Earlier in the week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s National Security and Intelligence Adviser Nathalie Drouin and Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison acknowledged leaking information to The Washington Post. The report suggested that Amit Shah was behind a campaign targeting Khalistan separatists in Canada. However, the Canadian officials did not disclose how they obtained information about Shah’s alleged involvement.
Diplomatic implications
The MEA's strong response underscores the seriousness with which India views these allegations. The diplomatic standoff highlights the fragile nature of India-Canada relations, with potential implications for future cooperation and dialogue between the two countries.
As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely watching the developments between India and Canada. The MEA's firm stance serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible diplomacy and the potential consequences of unfounded allegations on bilateral ties.
DISCLAIMER: This brief synthesizes information from various public sources and offers the author's own insights and analysis on the subject matter.
