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India's Envoy Speaks Out: Why He Needs Protection in Canada

India's new High Commissioner to Canada finds it strange that he requires protection while serving as a diplomat. He firmly rejects allegations made by Canadian authorities that link Indian diplomats to criminal activities. The envoy expresses concern about security scenarios involving groups that he says are holding the bilateral relationship hostage. Despite these tensions, both countries have recently made progress on cooperation in areas like trade and artificial intelligence.

Key Points: India's High Commissioner Rejects Canada Crime Allegations

  • High Commissioner questions needing security protection in Canada
  • Dismisses allegations linking diplomats to homicides and extortions
  • Highlights security concerns around Sikh separatist movement
  • Notes recent diplomatic progress on trade and AI cooperation
2 min read

I should not be under protection in a country like this: India's new High Commissioner to Canada rejects allegations linking diplomats to crimes

Dinesh Patnaik dismisses RCMP and Trudeau claims linking Indian diplomats to crimes, questions security situation amid Sikh separatist concerns.

"I should not be under protection in a country like this - Dinesh Patnaik"

Ottawa, October 20

India's new High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has dismissed allegations made by both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that linked Indian diplomats to homicides and extortions in this country, CTV News reported.

In the interview, Patnaik spoke of the security issues, saying, "I find it strange that a high commissioner here has to be under protection," he said. "I'm under protection. I should not be under protection in a country like this," CTV News reported.

He added that renewed conversations between India and Canada have focused on "the entire security situation," including the Sikh separatist movement.

"What we are talking about now are the different security scenarios that is happening in this country," Patnaik said. "Security scenarios where there is a group of people who are actually terrorizing, keeping the relationship under hostage," he claimed in the CTV Interview. "How do we deal with them? How do we deal with the law-and-order situation?"

India has long condemned the pro-Khalistan movement, which supports the establishment of an independent Sikh state in India, and has been critical of Canada for not opposing Sikh separatism within its own borders.

In 2023, Trudeau pushed back against those claims, stating, "They are wrong. Canada has always taken extremely seriously violence and threats of violence. We have always taken serious action against terrorism, and we always will."

Earlier this week, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand met with Modi in India. Following the meeting, both countries signed a statement outlining areas in which they want to co-operate, including trade and artificial intelligence.

Earlier this week, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand met with PM Modi in India. Following the meeting, both countries signed a statement outlining areas in which they want to co-operate, including trade and artificial intelligence.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Canada needs to take stronger action against Khalistani elements. They're damaging bilateral relations and creating security threats. Good to see our High Commissioner addressing this directly.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Canada, I think both sides need to tone down the rhetoric. The security concerns are real, but diplomacy should prevail. Let's focus on the positive cooperation in trade and AI mentioned at the end.
A
Arjun K
The High Commissioner is absolutely right. When our diplomats need protection in Canada, it speaks volumes about the law and order situation there. Hope the Canadian government takes this seriously.
M
Michael C
While I understand India's concerns about security, I think the High Commissioner's comments could have been more diplomatic. Both countries have valid points and need to work together respectfully.
K
Kavya N
India has always maintained that Khalistan is not just India's internal matter but affects global security. Canada allowing such activities is concerning for all Indians living there. Jai Hind! 🙏

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