Canada clears PM Modi, Jaishankar, and NSA Doval of criminal allegations after investigation
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): On Friday, Canada issued a statement clarifying that there is no evidence linking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, or National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to any criminal activities within the country. The statement, issued by an intelligence advisor to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, followed an earlier accusation on October 14. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canadian officials had made public allegations of serious criminal activity allegedly perpetrated by agents of the Indian government, citing an ongoing threat to public safety.
However, the Canadian government emphasized that it was neither aware of, nor had it stated, any evidence linking the three Indian leaders to these criminal activities. The statement firmly rejected any claims suggesting their involvement, calling such suggestions "speculative and inaccurate." This clarification comes after Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau had accused India of conducting covert operations in Canada, presenting a threat to public safety. Trudeau claimed that Canadian officials had sought to collaborate with Indian authorities but were met with consistent refusals. He further stated that the RCMP had gathered compelling evidence linking Indian government agents to actions like information-gathering and coercion, including involvement in serious crimes.
India has strongly rejected these accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) accused Trudeau’s government of using anti-India rhetoric for domestic political gains, citing his past associations with separatist groups in India. The MEA also criticized Canada for hosting extremist elements, especially in connection with the investigation into the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In response to the allegations, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its High Commissioner from Canada. The Indian government also summoned the Canadian charge d’affaires to express discontent and warned of further retaliatory measures. India dismissed claims that PM Modi was involved in Nijjar’s death as "ludicrous," asserting that the accusations were politically motivated and aimed at further straining the already tense bilateral relations.
