Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly has said that she does not have any information regarding India’s request of extradition of Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh, also known as Arsh Dalla, following his arrest.
Joly was speaking to the reporters when she was asked about reports of India asking for assistance for extradition of “Indian terrorist on their list.” The reporter, however, did not mention any names.
“First, I won’t comment on any ongoing investigation and we will continue to engage with Indian diplomats if there are inquiries regarding this issue,” Joly said.
“I don’t have specific information about what you are referring to but we will continue to have conversations at the foreign ministry level,” she said, adding that “on first violence that happen in Canada and making sure ultimately that we are able to find a way a path forward and I have also been in contact with the foreign minister of India.” The interview was broadcast by CPAC on Friday.
Foreign Afffiars Minister Mélanie Joly speaks with reporters in Lima, Peru – November 15, 2024
This came a day after India was working with Canada to secure Dalla’s extradition, who was arrested on October 28 over a shooting incident in Ontario.
“Arsh Dalla is a proclaimed offender in over 50 cases of murder, attempt to murder, extortion and terrorist acts including terror financing. In May 2022, a Red Corner Notice was issued against him. He was designated in India as an individual terrorist in 2023. In July 2023, Indian govt had requested the Canadian government for his provisional arrest,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
This comes amidst rising tensions between India and Canada after the two nations withdrew each other’s diplomats. In recent days, the relations have touched a rock bottom with Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning attacks on Hindu temples in Canada.