India Blasts Canada Over Extradition Stance

New Delhi- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticized Canada for failing to act on 26 extradition requests over the past decade, accusing the country of harboring criminals and anti-India elements despite repeated appeals for cooperation.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed at a press conference that India has made numerous requests for the extradition of individuals, including terror suspects and gang members, but no action has been taken. Some of those wanted include Gurjeet Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Lakbir Singh Landa, and Arshdeep Singh Gill, who are facing charges of terrorism and other serious crimes.

Jaiswal also expressed concerns regarding the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, stating that detailed intelligence and security information about its operations have been shared with Canadian authorities. Despite repeated requests, Canada has not taken any action against the individuals involved.

The MEA spokesperson further criticized Canada's stance, calling it "strange" that individuals India requested to be deported are now being blamed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for criminal activities in Canada. He emphasized that India cannot be held responsible for these crimes.

Tensions between the two nations escalated further after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linked Indian diplomats with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, alleging they were gathering intelligence on Canadians. Trudeau also previously blamed India for the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist shot dead outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June 2023.

After Trudeau's allegations, Canada designated India's High Commissioner and other diplomats as "persons of interest" in the Nijjar case. India recalled its High Commissioner and five diplomats from Canada, citing safety concerns.

Jaiswal stated that India has "no confidence in the Canadian government's ability to ensure the safety of our diplomats," and that the withdrawal of personnel was completed before Canada officially requested their departure.