New Delhi, In response to a report by The Intercept, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) vehemently denies claims of India sending a ‘secret memo’ to North American countries. The alleged memo, issued in April 2023, reportedly requested a “sophisticated crackdown scheme” against the Sikh diaspora, including Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The MEA labeled the report as “fake” and “completely fabricated.” It stated that the existence of any such memo is denied, attributing the claims to a sustained disinformation campaign against India. Accusing Pakistani intelligence of peddling fake narratives, the MEA emphasized that those amplifying such news compromise their own credibility.
The Intercept’s report, listing several Sikh dissidents under investigation by Indian intelligence agencies, has escalated tensions between India and Canada. The relations deteriorated further after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused “agents of the Indian government” of involvement in Nijjar’s killing. India dismissed the charges as “absurd” and criticized Trudeau for making baseless allegations.
The diplomatic fallout led to a temporary suspension of visa services by India in Canada, impacting diplomatic relations between the two nations. The MEA’s strong denial underscores India’s stance against what it perceives as false narratives aimed at damaging its reputation.