India in a diplomatic dispute: “Canada will extradite Bishnoi gang members”
Amid the ongoing diplomatic tension between India and Canada, India has raised concerns over Canada’s way of dealing with criminals linked to organised crime. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal today alleged that Canada is reluctant to extradite individuals linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a notorious criminal organisation based in India, which is involved in crimes in Canada.
“We find it very strange that those whom we asked to be deported, the Canadian police are now claiming that these people are committing crimes in Canada, for which India is being blamed,” Mr Jaiswal said. According to confirmation from the United States, this person is “no longer employed by the Government of India.”
Since September 2023, diplomatic relations between India and Canada have deteriorated, primarily triggered by the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused India of involvement in the killing, which India has categorically rejected. During a recent press briefing, Mr. Jaiswal reiterated India’s stance, stating that there is “no evidence” connecting the Indian government to Nijjar’s murder, despite several accusations from Canada.
“We have made our position very clear through various press releases. Since September 2023, no evidence has been provided, and just last night, we issued another press release reiterating our stand,” Mr Jaiswal said. “So far Canada has not provided any evidence to support their allegations. Their allegations are politically motivated. There is this clear pattern of defaming India, for reasons best known to them.”
Apart from rejecting the allegations, India recently withdrew its diplomats from Canada citing security concerns, followed by Canada expelling several Indian officials, further straining the relationship.
“We value our strong trade ties and people-to-people ties with Canada, especially given the large number of Indian students in Canada. But the current situation is entirely caused by the Trudeau government,” Mr Jaiswal pointed out, adding that Canada benefits from these ties, and India has shown restraint despite provocative steps taken by Ottawa.
Former RAW officer ‘no longer employed’
In the same context, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) today named a former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer, referred to as ‘CC1’, in its indictment for the failed plot to assassinate another Khalistani terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. According to confirmation from the United States, this person is “no longer employed by the Government of India.”
