'Gap between actions and words': MEA reacts over diplomatic tensions with Canada

PTC News Desk: Amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, India has flagged concerns over Canada's handling of criminals linked to organised crime. While addressing the concerns, Ministry of External Affairs, alleged Canada's incompetence to extradite individuals associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, involved in crimes abroad especially Canada. 

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"We find it really strange that people we asked to be deported, Canada cops are now claiming that these people are committing crimes in Canada, for which India is being blamed.On India's extradition requests,26 are pending for a decade or more. Several probational requests are pending too." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. 

He further 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."

Although it is not the first time that both the countries have indulged in spat however the diplomatic ties have worsened since 2023 when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held India responsible for the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canadian parliament. Following the trail, earlier this week, both the countries expelled each other's diplomats in a tit for tat move. Not to mention, Canada admitted of not providing credible evidence in the case and the allegations were based absolutely on the intel prompting India to blame Prime Minister Trudeau for harming India-Canada relations. 

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"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...," Trudeau said.