The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday raised concern and alleged that Canada was giving political space to separatists, extremists and those advocating violence.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also claimed that Indian diplomats were threatened with impunity in Canada and were obstructed from performing their duties.

"We have also pointed to the Canadian authorities that figures associated with organised crime with links to India have been allowed entry and residency in Canada. Many of our extradition requests are pending. We are having discussions at the diplomatic level on all these matters," the MEA spokesperson said.

When asked about the arrests of three Indians allegedly linked to the killing of India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the MEA said no formal communication was made.

"No specific or relevant evidence or information has been shared by the Canadian authorities to date. You will therefore understand our view that the matter is being pre-judged. Obviously, there are political interests at work," Jaiswal said.

This is not the first time India has alleged that political space is given to extremists in Canada. Last week, India rejected the fresh comments by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and said the remarks once again illustrated the political space given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence.

"PM Trudeau has made such remarks earlier as well. His remarks illustrate once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism, and violence," external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.

Source: India Today