India-Canada Diplomatic Ties: Indian Envoy Warns Of Big 'Red Line' Over Threat To National Security

The High Commissioner of India to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, on Tuesday addressed the longstanding issues between the two countries during an event in Montreal. He described the relationship between India and Canada as having "decade-old issues" that have resurfaced, with unfortunate crimes and threats emanating from the land of Canada.

Speaking at an event on Foreign Relations, Verma highlighted ongoing discussions at governmental levels and diplomatic channels aimed at addressing mutual concerns and finding resolutions. The commissioner underscored India's commitment to national security and its readiness to engage in dialogue to resolve issues of contention.

"My concern is national security, and threats emanating from the land of Canada, these threats are largely emanating from the Canadian citizens...we are ready to sit down on the table any day, and we are doing that. And, we are trying to resolve this issue," he said.

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Highlighting the cultural diversity and mutual respect expected in bilateral relations, Verma lamented the re-emergence of longstanding issues and incidents involving people of Indian origins who are now Canadian citizens. Adding, Verma said individuals holding foreign citizenship are considered foreigners by India, and any threat to its territorial integrity by such individuals is a significant concern.

"When we call two countries in bilateral relations as partners, strategic partners, friends, we expect both the countries to understand each other's perspectives, each other's concerns respect the cultural diversity of each other. Unfortunately, there have been issues, and this is nothing new, decades-old issues have resurfaced, re-emerged and there have been unfortunate crimes wherein those who are currently Canadian citizens, largely have their origin in India."

"India does not have dual nationality. If someone becomes a Canadian citizen or citizen of any other country, he or she is no longer an Indian citizen. So the foreigners having, if I can call it, an evil eye on the territorial integrity of India, that is a big red line for us," Verma noted.

The remarks from Verma come amid recent incidents escalating tensions between the two nations, including the arrest of three Indian nationals in connection with the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India's Ministry of External Affairs also expressed a strong condemnation regarding the float used in the Nagar Kirtan parade in Ontario and said the "celebration and glorification of violence" shouldn't be accepted in a civilised society.

(With ANI Inputs)