India called Canada a “safe haven for terrorists”.
India has called Canada a “safe haven for terrorists” after suspending the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens following tensions between the two countries.
In the continuation of the tensions between India and Canada due to accusations against New Delhi about being involved in the fatal shooting of a separatist figure in the Punjab state on Canadian soil, India called Canada a “safe haven for terrorists”.
According to CNN, the spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a sharp statement on Thursday that Canada should be concerned about its international image. He stated: “If you’re talking about issues of reputation and image damage if there’s a country that needs to look at this, I think it’s Canada and its growing reputation as a safe haven for terrorists, extremists, and organized crime.”
The Indian diplomat’s statement came after India suspended visa applications for Canadian citizens due to what it called security threats against diplomats in the country.
“Arindam Bagchi”, the spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, added: “The issue is the incitement of violence, the inaction of the Canadian authorities, and the creation of an atmosphere that disrupts the functioning of our High Commission and consulates, which makes us temporarily stop issuing visas or providing visa services.”
Relations between the two countries have been strained since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested India may have been behind the June murder of Harip Singh Najjar, who was shot by two masked men in British Columbia.
India has strongly denied these claims and called them absurd and biased. The Indian spokesman said Canada had not provided specific information to support its claim.