Canada and India are still Continuing their Diplomatic dialogue Over Arsh Dalla Case
As per the latest report, Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has confirmed that she is actively engaged in ongoing discussions with Indian FM, Shri S. Jaishankar, regarding the arrest of Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla.
Mr. Gill, a title figure in the criminal underworld, was arrested by Canadian authorities in the late October of 2024 in connection with violent gang activities in Canada and other Khalistan extremist activities.
While speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, The Canadian PM acknowledged this matter. She highlighted the sensitive nature of the investigation but at the same time assured that Canada would remain in contact with Indian diplomats regarding this issue.
She stated that “We will continue to engage with Indian officials if there are any inquiries related to this case,”. This shows that the two countries are still trying to figure out a common ground amidst all the diplomatic tensions and escalating situations that happened recently.
This situation is very acceptable for both Canadians and people of the Indian diaspora living in Canada, since they want to co-exist and be peaceful at the same time without worrying about extremism destroying their peace.
This statement by the Canadian FM is first of its kind that actually proved that India and Canada are still conversing through the highest authorities, since the FMs of both countries are still talking. People and Indians all over the world were worried due to the recent hike in tension between India and Canada, but the remarks made by the Canadian Minister proves otherwise, that India is still in diplomatic ties with Canada.
The final incident of agility between the countries occurred when Canada declared six Indian diplomats as persons of interest and expelled them for which India responded with a similar action of expelling six Canadian diplomats of Canada from India.
The death of pro-khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar had created havoc and chaos which was being filled by the rise of violence in Canada. Arshdeep Singh Gill having the title of underworld kingpin, has been earlier alleged by India as the prime suspect behind all the extremist activities followed by Nijjar ‘s death. It is assumed that, the vacant title of Khalistan Tiger Force chief was taken over by Mr. Gill.
Arsh Dalla case revolves around the underworld activities and gang violence surrounded by pro-Khalistan movements and connections to the organised crime. Due to this reason, India has requested Canada to extradite Gill back to India to face criminal charges in India. Since, Gill hasn’t been tried in a court in Canada, they haven’t responded to India’s request so far.
It is being assumed that, once Gill is found guilty in Canada, they will hand over the culprit to India so that, it might be an act of good faith to cool off the diplomatic tensions between both nations.