New Delhi: In light of the ongoing diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar stated that India was the first to address the issue of organized crime in Canada, but it went unacknowledged due to a long-standing permissive atmosphere. He condemned the targeting of India's High Commissioner and diplomats by the Trudeau government, emphasizing that New Delhi will adopt a firm stance when it comes to its national interests, integrity, and sovereignty. "We completely reject the manner in which the Canadian government targeted our High Commissioner and diplomats," Jaishankar remarked in response to a question. He noted that the political climate in Canada appears to favor a certain political lobby, which he believes is detrimental not only to India-Canada relations but also to Canada itself. Jaishankar added that India had been warning Canada about organized crime for some time, stating, "We were telling them, but they were not listening," attributing the situation to a permissive atmosphere that has persisted for too long. He expressed hope that a more sensible and responsible political approach would emerge. These comments were made during an event in Pune titled "Emerging Opportunities in the Present Global Scenario."

On October 13, Canada named Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma a "person of interest" in its investigation into the June 2023 murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen labeled a Khalistani terrorist by India. Prior to any further action from Canada, New Delhi recalled Verma along with five other diplomats who faced similar designations. In retaliation, India expelled six Canadian diplomats.