Indiaʼs diplomatic team made a strong-worded protest to Canada on nov 2nd regarding accusations that link Amit Shah to anti-Sikh plots; this comes amid a growing dispute between both nations
The protest follows Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrisonʼs statement to lawmakers earlier this week where he backed a news-story that connected Shah — who is PM Modiʼs right-hand man — to alleged plots against Sikh separatists: the claims have sparked a serious row between the countries
In a surprising twist India also disclosed that Canada has been keeping tabs on its consular staff (using audio-visual monitoring equipment) which the foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called a clear case of diplomatic harassment. The Canadian side hasnt responded to these new claims yet
The diplomatic mess started about a year ago after the death of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada — which Delhi strongly denies any connection to. Since then both countries have kicked-out each others diplomats and the relationship has gotten worse due to various claims and counter-claims
- Canadas allegations about Shahʼs involvement
- Indiaʼs strong denial of these claims
- Surveillance of Indian diplomatic staff
- Expulsion of diplomats from both sides
The whole situation shows how far relations between Ottawa and New Delhi have fallen‚ with both sides trading accusations that make finding common ground harder