Recalled Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has firmly denied the accusations made by the Canadian government, claiming his involvement in the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Speaking in an interview with Canadian broadcaster CTV on Sunday, Verma blamed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for damaging the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Verma emphasized that Canada has not provided any solid proof regarding the case, calling the allegations against Indian diplomats “politically motivated.” He further explained that India is waiting for legitimate evidence to support these claims.
Lack of Evidence Shared
Verma stated that India has yet to receive any evidence from Canada that could substantiate Ottawa’s allegations. He said, “We needed to see some evidence based on which we can converse with our Canadian counterparts. Unfortunately, not a shred of evidence has been shared with us.” He highlighted the importance of legally acceptable evidence for further discussions.
The remarks come amid increasing tensions between India and Canada after Ottawa named Verma and five other Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in the murder investigation of Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA).
India Responds to Canada’s Accusations
In response to Canada’s move, India recalled six diplomats, including Verma, from Ottawa and expelled six Canadian diplomats from India. Canada, in turn, expelled the Indian envoy and several other diplomats, accusing Indian agents of being involved in violent acts and targeting pro-Khalistani supporters.
Rejecting the claims, Verma reaffirmed that India operates under the rule of law. He stressed that any evidence presented in Canadian courts would also be considered valid in Indian courts. “Unfortunately, we have not got anything from Canadian officials which can lead us to a better spot,” Verma added.
He also condemned the killing of Nijjar, stating, “Any murder is wrong and bad. I do condemn, and that is what I have said in many interviews. Let’s get to the bottom of the issue.”
Failed Diplomatic Visit
When questioned about Canadian officials wanting to visit India to share evidence, Verma disclosed that the delegation was set to depart for India on October 8, but there were issues with the visa process. He explained that while the visa application was submitted, no agenda was provided in time for the necessary arrangements. “There was no agenda shared with us. The agenda was shared at the last minute, I believe, after the flight would have departed,” Verma remarked.
He further accused Canada of pre-planning the situation, suggesting that Canadian authorities knew that issuing visas within a short period was impossible. “I think it was pre-planned. They knew that visas could not be issued in half an hour or in an hour, and therefore, they did it. I think it was absolutely politically motivated,” Verma claimed.
Strained India-Canada Relations
The diplomatic crisis between India and Canada began after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in the Canadian Parliament that there were “credible allegations” implicating India in the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has categorically denied these allegations, calling them “absurd” and accusing Canada of fostering anti-India extremists within its borders.
Nijjar, who was declared a terrorist by the NIA in 2020, was shot dead outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June last year. Canada’s designation of Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” and subsequent expulsion prompted India to retaliate with similar actions.
On Monday, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, calling Canada’s actions “preposterous” and driven by Trudeau’s political agenda. Canada, in response, also expelled Indian diplomats, accusing them of participating in a campaign against Canadian citizens.