Goa: Amid the ongoing tension between India and Canada, the Ministry of External Affairs on 21 September said that the allegations by the government of Canada are primarily politically driven, citing that there should be parity in strength in mutual diplomatic presence.
Briefing a press conference in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, as news agency ANI quoted, "Yes, we've informed the Govt of Canada that there should be parity in strength in our mutual diplomatic presence. Their number is very much higher than ours in Canada... I assume there will be a reduction from the Canadian side."
Arindam Bagchi, said that "Canada is currently serving as a safe haven for individuals facing terrorism charges. We urge the Canadian government to refrain from providing refuge to such individuals and instead take appropriate legal actions against them. Over the years, we have made extradition requests or sought assistance in more than 20-25 cases involving such individuals. Unfortunately, the responses received thus far have not been conducive to addressing these issues."
Adding more, Bagchi said, "Yes, I do think there is a degree of prejudice here. They have made allegations and taken action against them. To us, it seems that these allegations by the government of Canada are primarily politically driven."