Canada's accusations linking India to the murder of a Khalistani militant in Vancouver are prejudiced and appear to be "politically driven", the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
Arindam Bagchi, the MEA spokesman, informed media persons in New Delhi that Canada has not provided any specific information on the allegations in which Justin Trudeau claimed that the "agents of the Indian government" were behind the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on its soil in June.
Trudeau Administration Hasn't Shared Any Specific Information on Allegations
"No specific information was shared by Canada then, before, or after. We are willing to look at specific information if provided to us. From our side, we have very specific information on particular individuals in Canada and all these have been shared with them. But Canada hasn't acted on them," Bagchi said in reply to a reporter's question during his weekly media briefing in the Indian capital.
On being asked if Canada's accusations were "politically driven" or had a certain "prejudice", Bagchi responded in the affirmative.
"I do think there is a degree of prejudice here. They have made the allegations, they have taken action on them, to us it seems or it appears that these allegations by the government of Canada are primarily politically driven," he added.
Ottawa Should Worry About Its International Reputation
Furthermore, Bagchi underlined that Canada's reputation as a "safe haven" for terrorists and extremists was growing and hence, it should be worried about its international reputation.
"Canada should worry about its growing reputation of being a safe haven for extremists and terrorists," Bagchi stressed.
The remarks of Bagchi come at a time when India and Canada have been embroiled in a huge diplomatic row that has shown no signs of receding.
Canadian Diplomatic Presence to be Curtailed in India
After the two countries expelled senior diplomats on Tuesday, India on Thursday confirmed that it has asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence in the South Asian nation.
Besides, New Delhi has suspended Visa issuance services at its embassy in Ottawa and consulates in other Canadian cities, citing threats to its diplomats.
Moreover, New Delhi issued an advisory for its citizens in Canada, urging them to remain vigilant in the face of "anti-India activities" in the North American sovereign state.