Canadian diplomats have left India after the US indicted Delhi for its alleged role in the deaths of two separatists. The Canadian High Commissioner has expressed dissatisfaction with India's handling of the situation and emphasized the need for accountability in order to improve relations between the two countries. As the onus now falls on India to take action and work towards a resolution, the question remains whether the two nations can move forward together.
India-Canada Diplomatic Tensions: Background and Ongoing Issues
Background:
India and Canada have long enjoyed a close diplomatic relationship, with significant trade and cultural ties. However, recent events have strained their relationship.
In 2018, two prominent Sikh separatists, Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri, were assassinated in Canada. US authorities indicted India's Delhi Police and a member of its counterintelligence agency for allegedly aiding and abetting the killings.
Recent Developments:
Following the US indictment, Canada demanded answers from Indian authorities and suspended high-level diplomatic contacts. In protest, Canadian diplomats left India.
The Indian government denied any involvement in the assassinations and expressed its "disappointment and regret" over Canada's response. The Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Ajay Bisaria, criticized Canada's "premature and unsubstantiated" actions.
In response, the Canadian High Commissioner to India, Nadir Patel, said that Canada remains "deeply concerned" about India's handling of the situation and emphasized the need for accountability.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. What was the cause of the diplomatic tensions between India and Canada?
Answer: The tensions arose from the US indictment of Indian officials for their alleged role in the assassinations of Sikh separatists in Canada.
2. How did Canada respond to the US indictment?
Answer: Canada suspended high-level diplomatic contacts and demanded answers from Indian authorities, who denied any involvement.
3. What was India's response to Canada's actions?
Answer: India expressed disappointment and regret over Canada's suspension of diplomatic contacts and accused it of acting prematurely without substantial evidence.
4. What is the current status of the diplomatic relations between India and Canada?
Answer: High-level diplomatic contacts remain suspended, and Canadian diplomats have left India. The future of the relationship is uncertain.
5. What are the potential consequences of these tensions?
Answer: The tensions could impact trade, cultural exchanges, and overall cooperation between the two countries. They could also raise questions about India's human rights record and the safety of Sikh separatists in Canada.
A blast was reported near a CRPF school in the Prashant Vihar area of Rohini, Delhi on Sunday morning. The fire department was immediately dispatched, and upon arrival found that a nearby shop and a car parked near it were damaged. No one was injured in the incident, and senior police officers are investigating the cause of the blast.
A Delhi court has granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party leader Satyendar Jain, who had been in judicial custody for over 18 months in a money laundering case. The judge cited delays in the trial and the precedent set by the Supreme Court in a similar case to justify the decision. The judge also criticized the Enforcement Directorate's approach, saying it has led to "unreasonable and awkward outcomes" and imposed prolonged detention on Jain, which is "unnatural and unreasonable".
New Delhi: In an address to the party's Mandal-level office bearers in Delhi, former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal praised the resilience of Aam Aadmi Party leaders and workers. He urged them to double their efforts to secure a larger mandate in the upcoming assembly elections. Kejriwal warned about the BJP's intention to undo the progress made during AAP's governance and stressed the importance of unity among party members to ensure victory in all 70 seats.
In a sudden turn of events, Chiranjeev, a long-time member of the Congress Party, was seen retracting his previous statement of wanting to leave the party. In a tweet, he thanked his mentor Sonia Gandhi and pledged his loyalty to the party and its leadership, especially Rahul Gandhi. This comes amidst speculations of Chiranjeev contemplating switching to another political party, but he has now called for a truce and assured that he would remain a Congressman till his last breath. With upcoming Assembly polls in 2024, this move could prove to be a significant boost for the Congress Party.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the NDA Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers, where they discussed various aspects of good governance and ways to improve people's lives. The PM emphasized the importance of focusing on 'Pro-people, Pro-governance- P2G2' and passing six proposals to further national progress. Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, the meeting also touched upon the 'Amrit Mahotsav' of the Constitution and the 50th anniversary of Emergency.
The Supreme Court closed the cases against spiritual leader Sadhguru's Isha Foundation, where two women had alleged illegal confinement. The court stated that the proceedings should not be used to malign people or institutions. The case was filed by a professor who claimed his daughters were "brainwashed" to stay at the Isha Yoga Centre run by the foundation. The court had previously paused the Madras High Court's order to probe the allegations.
In a major win for spiritual leader Sadhguru, the Supreme Court has dismissed a habeas corpus petition against his ashram, Isha Yoga Centre, made by a retired professor claiming that his two daughters were being held captive and brainwashed there. The court deemed the allegations "completely inappropriate" and cited the women's statements that they were living in the ashram voluntarily. The apex court criticized the malafide intent behind the petition, calling for more responsible use of the court's time. The court also stated that closure of the case would not affect any regulatory compliances, such as the requirement for an internal complaint committee in institutions with women and minors.
A police report submitted to the Supreme Court in response to a habeas corpus petition alleging illegal confinement at Sadhguru's Isha Foundation found no evidence to support the claims. However, the report highlights concerns over the functioning of internal mechanisms at the foundation and documents cases of disappearances and suicides over the past 15 years. The report also details a case of alleged sexual assault at the foundation, raising questions about its safety and oversight policies.
In an interview with ANI, Congress MP Kumari Selja addressed speculation of discontent with the party's decisions in the Haryana elections. She reiterated her loyalty to the party and expressed concerns about ticket distribution processes. Selja also reflected on her long career with Congress and asserted the importance of respect within the party.