In a concerning development, a militant group based in Canada has issued a threat to India, demanding the closure of the Indian Embassy in Ottawa and the recall of High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma. This threat follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comes amid strained relations.
The threat has emerged while Trudeau remains in India, experiencing complications with his 36-year-old Airbus plane. During his visit for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Trudeau’s presence was notably subdued, and he did not attend the official G20 gala dinner, as reported by the Canadian media.
The militant group responsible for the threat has attributed Trudeau’s perceived “disrespect” to the Indian government led by Prime Minister Modi. This marks the second threat within 48 hours, with the group warning that Prime Minister Modi must recall the Indian ambassador, or face unspecified consequences. They also claimed that their allegations regarding terror-related activities originating from Canada have been vindicated.
This incident coincides with India’s expression of strong concerns to Trudeau regarding the ongoing anti-India activities of extremist elements within Canada. These elements have been accused of promoting secessionism, inciting violence against Indian diplomats, and posing threats to the Indian community in Canada.
During his discussions with Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of a relationship based on “mutual respect and trust” to foster progress in India-Canada relations, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).