Indian Envoy Calls Khalistan Extremism "A Canadian Problem" While Working to Reset Diplomatic Relations

Patnaik emphasized that renewed dialogues with Canada have addressed "the entire security situation".

Ottawa:

As diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Ottawa undergo rehabilitation, India has firmly dismissed claims connecting Indian diplomatic personnel to criminal activities in Canada, describing such allegations as "preposterous and absurd". During a recent media interaction, India's newly appointed High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, clarified that the Khalistan-related security challenges on Canadian territory constitute an internal issue for Ottawa rather than a responsibility of the Indian government.

In his conversation with Canadian broadcaster CTV, Patnaik highlighted that the refreshed diplomatic discussions between India and Canada have concentrated on "the entire security situation", which encompasses concerns related to the separatist Khalistan movement.

On the subject of bilateral relations, he explained: "What we are discussing now are the various security scenarios unfolding in this country... Security scenarios where certain groups are effectively intimidating and holding the relationship hostage... How should we address this? How do we effectively manage the law-and-order dimension?"

India has consistently denounced the pro-Khalistan movement, which advocates for the establishment of a sovereign Sikh state in Punjab. New Delhi has repeatedly criticized Canadian authorities for failing to oppose Sikh separatist activities within Canadian borders.

Regarding the Khalistan movement in Canada, Patnaik emphasized that Canadian citizens were responsible for the Sikh separatism issue, and Ottawa must address it as a domestic law-enforcement challenge.

"Canada should not perceive this situation as an Indian problem. It's distinctly Canadian. These are Canadian citizens generating this issue... I find it remarkable that a high commissioner requires protection here. I am under security protection. This should not be necessary in a country like Canada," he stated.

Addressing former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's accusations, the Indian envoy rejected claims that Indian agents participated in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Patnaik characterized these allegations as "preposterous and absurd" and "lacking substantial evidence."

He emphasized that India was "still awaiting any evidence to be provided" and firmly asserted that "extra-territorial actions by India are never undertaken."

Commenting on current leadership, the Indian High Commissioner commended Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, for his "significant contribution" to normalizing relations with India. He observed that while improved ties were inevitable between the nations, Carney's leadership expedited the reconciliation process.

"We might have reached this point slightly earlier or later. Two major countries cannot remain estranged indefinitely. Donald Trump played a role, but I believe your new Prime Minister Mark Carney has made a substantial contribution to restoring normalcy," he concluded.