Canadian MP Jagmeet Singh has plunged himself into a storm of controversy after demanding severe sanctions against Indian diplomats and calling for a complete ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Canada. This call for action comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Canada, with both countries expelling six diplomats each in a rapidly escalating diplomatic dispute.
Singh’s strong stance, delivered during a press conference on Wednesday, has fueled widespread debate and ignited a flurry of questions from reporters. He cited the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) as the source of his concerns, claiming that Indian diplomats have been implicated in “hiring criminal elements to shoot at Canadians.” Singh’s accusations are a direct response to the RCMP’s recent revelations about the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Vancouver in 2023. The RCMP investigation has linked the incident to agents of the Indian government, specifically connecting them to the “Bishnoi group,” a known organized crime syndicate.
The controversy surrounding Singh’s remarks has extended beyond the realm of diplomacy, with the politician explicitly calling for a ban on the RSS, a Hindu nationalist organization with a significant presence in India and internationally. Singh described the RSS as a “violent, militant, terrorist organization,” further escalating the already tense situation. He has also called for unity among Canadian leaders in denouncing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and holding the Indian government accountable for the alleged actions of its agents.
As Singh exited the press conference, reporters pressed him on his accusations and the potential ramifications of his statements. He countered by insisting that his concerns were not about personal gain, but rather about the safety and security of Canadians, highlighting the seriousness of the RCMP’s findings.
The diplomatic dispute between India and Canada has its roots in Canada’s accusations of the Indian government’s involvement in the assassination of the Sikh separatist leader. India vehemently denies these allegations, countering that Canada harbors terrorist groups and promotes separatist activities.
This dramatic escalation in tensions between the two countries has sparked a flurry of international attention and underscores the complex and sensitive nature of their relationship. Singh’s call for sanctions and the ban on the RSS further complicate this already fraught situation, leaving the future of diplomatic relations between India and Canada shrouded in uncertainty.