In the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, India has raised concerns over Canada’s handling of criminals linked to organised crime. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal today alleged Canada’s reluctance to extradite individuals associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a notorious criminal organisation based in India, involved in crimes in Canada.
“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,” Mr Jaiswal stated. On India’s extradition requests, Mr Jaiswal said “26 are pending for a decade or more. Several probational requests are pending too.”
Since September 2023, diplomatic ties between India and Canada have worsened, largely triggered by the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused India of being involved in the killing, a claim which India has categorically rejected. Mr Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s position during a recent press briefing, stating that despite multiple allegations from Canada, there remains “no shred of evidence” linking the Indian government to Nijjar’s murder.
“We have made our position very clear through various press releases. Since September 2023, there has been no evidence provided, and just last night, we issued another press release reiterating our stance,” Mr Jaiswal said. “So far Canada has not given any evidence to back their allegations. Their allegations are politically motivated. Clear pattern to smear India for reasons best known to them.”
In addition to rejecting the accusations, India recently withdrew its diplomats from Canada, citing safety concerns, after which Canada expelled several Indian officials, further straining the relationship.
“We value our strong trade ties with Canada and our people-to-people links, especially given the large number of Indian students in Canada. But the current situation has been precipitated entirely by the Trudeau government,” Mr Jaiswal explained, adding that Canada benefits from these relations, and India has shown restraint despite the provocative steps taken by Ottawa.
Ex-Raw Officer ‘No Longer Employed’
On a related note, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) today named a former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer, referred to as ‘CC1,’ in its indictment over a failed plot to assassinate another Khalistani terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The United States confirmed that this individual is “no longer employed by the Indian government.”
Mr Jaiswal today corroborated the US claim by confirming that the individual is no longer an Indian government employee.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, during a press briefing, confirmed that both India and the US are conducting separate but coordinated investigations into the plot. Miller said that a “productive meeting” had taken place between the Indian inquiry committee and US officials.