In the midst of the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar stated that India initially raised concerns about the presence of organized crime in Canada, but these issues were overlooked due to a long-standing permissive atmosphere. He condemned the Trudeau government's targeting of India's High Commissioner and diplomats, emphasizing that New Delhi will adopt a firm stance when it comes to its national interest, integrity, and sovereignty.

"We completely reject how the Canadian government has targeted our High Commissioner and diplomats," Jaishankar said in response to a question. He noted that the political situation in Canada appears to be giving a particular political lobby undue influence, which he argued is detrimental not only to India-Canada relations but also to Canada itself.

Jaishankar pointed out that India had previously alerted Canada about organized crime but was not heard. "This has persisted due to a permissive atmosphere for a long time," he added. He expressed hope that more sensible and responsible political forces would emerge in Canada.

Jaishankar made these comments during an event in Pune on "Emerging Opportunities in the Present Global Scenario." On October 13, Canada labeled Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma as a "person of interest" in its investigation into the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen designated a Khalistani terrorist by India. In response to this designation, India recalled Verma and five other diplomats, leading to the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats by New Delhi.