Pune: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly criticized the Canadian government for targeting Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, amid rising diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Speaking at an event in Pune, Jaishankar condemned Canada’s recent actions, describing them as unwarranted and rooted in a permissive environment that has allowed organized crime to flourish within Canadian borders.
Jaishankar emphasized that India had repeatedly raised concerns about organized crime in Canada, only to see the issues ignored. “We completely reject the manner in which the Canadian government targeted our High Commissioner and diplomats,” he stated, noting that India would continue to take a firm stance on matters involving its national sovereignty and integrity.
The diplomatic tensions peaked when Canada named High Commissioner Verma as a “person of interest” in the investigation into the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and declared Khalistani terrorist by India. In response, India recalled Verma and five other diplomats and subsequently expelled six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi.
Jaishankar also pointed out that a small but vocal political lobby in Canada has disproportionately influenced Canadian politics, harming bilateral relations. He expressed hope for a more sensible approach from Canadian leadership in the future.
On other global matters, Jaishankar spoke about India’s balanced stance in the Ukraine-Russia conflict and highlighted India’s success in bringing the African Union into the G20 during its presidency, signaling India’s growing diplomatic influence on the world stage.
