RNS: Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry made a startling claim on Monday, alleging that terrorists have found a safe haven in Canada, exacerbating the ongoing bilateral tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa, according to reports in the media.
Speaking exclusively to ANI, Sabry expressed his concerns, stating, “Some of the terrorists have found a safe haven in Canada. The Canadian PM has this way of just coming out with some outrageous allegations without any supporting proof.”
Sabry further asserted that similar allegations were previously made against Sri Lanka, specifically referring to accusations of genocide within the country. He refuted these claims, declaring, “The same thing they did for Sri Lanka, a terrible, total lie about saying that Sri Lanka had a genocide. Everybody knows there was no genocide in our country.”
In a direct rebuke to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Sabry emphasized that no nation should interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. He stated, “I don’t think anyone should poke their nose into other countries and tell us how we should govern our country. We love our country more than anyone else. That’s why we are in our country.”
Sabry stressed the importance of regional cooperation and solidarity, saying, “We are not very happy about that statement at all. Indian Ocean identity is very important, and we need to strengthen the regional architecture. We have to look after our region. We need to work together.”
He concluded, “That’s how we can create a peaceful environment. We should not be dictated by anyone else as to how we should conduct our affairs.”
The tensions between India and Canada escalated following Trudeau’s allegations on September 18 that the Indian government was involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June.
Trudeau had stated to the media, “As I said on Monday, there are credible reasons to believe that agents of the Government of India were involved in the killing of a Canadian on Canadian soil.” He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and the international rules-based order.
Furthermore, Trudeau urged the Indian government to collaborate with Canada to ensure full transparency and accountability in the matter.
In response, India dismissed Ottawa’s allegations regarding the involvement of Indian agents in the murder of the Khalistani terrorist as “politically driven,” further deepening the strain in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
As tensions continue to simmer, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the growing discord between India and Canada.
