New Delhi

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday dismissed as fake a memo circulating on social media that falsely ties Indian diplomats to violent activities. The ministry clarified that no such communication has been issued by the Government of India.

The memo, dated April 2023 and purportedly from former Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, claims that Indian diplomats were instructed to engage diaspora groups in Canada to confront Sikh extremists. It also names various organizations like the Indo-Canada Association, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, TiE Silicon Valley, and USIBC.

This fake memo surfaced amid heightened tensions between India and Canada, following allegations that Canada harbors Khalistani separatists. Last week, a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, was attacked, prompting India to condemn the violence and demand better security for Indian diplomats in Canada.

Relations worsened last year when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which India has strongly denied, calling the accusations unfounded. Following the allegations, India recalled several diplomats. The situation remains tense, with both countries at odds over issues of extremism and diplomatic immunity.