New Delhi: Amid the ongoing India-Canada diplomatic row, India first raised the presence of organised crime in Canada but the issue was ignored because of a permissive atmosphere for a long time, said External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.
He rejected the targeting of India's High Commissioner and diplomats by the Trudeau government, asserting that New Delhi will take a tough position when its national interest, integrity and sovereignty are concerned.
"We completely reject the manner in which the Canadian government targeted our High Commissioner and diplomats," Jaishankar said in response to a question.
"Unfortunately, the politics of that country is giving that political lobby, perhaps a degree of play which I would argue is not just bad for us and our relationship. I would argue it is bad for Canada itself," Jaishankar said.
He said India first raised the presence of organised crime in Canada. "We were telling them and they were not listening. It is happening because of a permissive atmosphere for a long time," the EAM said.
"I think this is an issue with a particular political phase or set of political forces. We would certainly hope that more sensible, more sober, more responsible asserts itself," Jaishankar added.
Jaishankar made the remarks while speaking at event in Pune on the subject 'Emerging opportunities in the present global scenario'.
Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma was declared a "person of interest" by Canada on October 13 in its investigation into the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who has been declared a Khalistani terrorist by India.
Before Canada could take further action, New Delhi recalled Verma and five other diplomats, who were also similarly named. In response, India also expelled six Canadian diplomats.