India tells Canada to act against those facing terrorism charges

India demanded on Thursday that Canada take action against people facing terrorism-related charges, claiming that Canada’s response to its requests for the extradition of anti-Indian elements was unhelpful.

Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated in response to a question at the regularly scheduled media briefing that Canada shouldn’t turn into a shelter for individuals engaged in terrorism.

“Safe haven is being provided in Canada, we want the Canadian government to not do so and take action against those who have terrorism charges or send them here to face justice,” Bagchi told the media.

“We’ve sought either extradition request or assistance related to that, at least more than 20-25 individuals we’ve requested over the years but the response has not been helpful at all,” he added.

In reference to terrorism, Bachi claimed that Pakistan funds and supports it. Additionally, he addressed the topic of safe havens.

“Not only terrorism but also the fact that it is funded and supported and we know this from sometime…from our western neighbours Pakistan…but the issue of safe havens, and places to operate have been provided abroad, including in Canada…and that…you know we would expect that is the main focus. The question is: do we have the political will to address terrorism or do we want to justify it and condone it?” he asked.

BLS International, a provider of visa services, announced on Thursday that it had discontinued Indian visa services in Canada effective immediately.

An Indian company called BLS International Services Limited offers outsourcing services to international governmental and diplomatic organisations. The business is in charge of managing citizen, consular, attestation, and visa services.

“Due to operation reasons, with immediate effect i.e. 21 September 2023, Indian visa services in Canada have been suspended till further notice,” the company informed stock exchanges in a filing on Thursday.

India and Canada’s bilateral ties have deteriorated since Prime Minister Trudeau claimed on Monday that “Indian agents” were responsible for the shooting of Hardeep Nijjar.

In June 2018, Nijjar, the leader of the outlawed Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and a “designated terrorist,” was slain in Surrey, British Columbia.

The Trudeau administration’s accusations have been dismissed by India, which has referred to them as “absurd” and “motivated.”

“We have seen and reject the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister. Allegations of Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated,” MEA had said in a statement.

“Similar allegations were made by the Canadian Prime Minister to our Prime Minister and were completely rejected. We are a democratic polity with a strong commitment to the rule of law,” it added.

(With agency inputs)