Canada 'Back-Stabbing' In 'Person of Interest' Case, Says Indian Envoy Sanjay Verma

The diplomatic tension between India and Canada escalated significantly following Canada's decision to label Senior Indian diplomat Sanjay Verma as a "person of interest" in connection with the assassination of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This move by the Justin Trudeau government led to India recalling its top diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, and expelling six Canadian diplomats in retaliation. The incident has caused a significant rift in bilateral relations, marking a low point in the diplomatic engagements between the two countries.

Sanjay Verma expressed his disbelief and disappointment over Canada's actions in a statement to PTI, highlighting it as a betrayal. "Declaring me a 'person of interest' by Canada came as a shock, a kind of back-stabbing," Verma articulated, emphasizing the unprofessionalism of Canada's approach towards maintaining bilateral relations. Further elaborating on the incident, he shared, “This is the pits." Verma criticized the Canadian legal system for its leniency, which he believes has allowed Khalistan extremists and terrorists to find refuge within the country. He accused them of engaging in human trafficking, gun running, and extortion, pointing out that a small fraction, approximately 10,000 Sikhs in Canada, are driving the Khalistan movement for their gain.

During his visit to Toronto, Verma recounted a sudden communication from an interlocutor in Canada's foreign ministry, inviting him to discuss matters at the ministry. Despite his unavailability due to his return flight to India, arrangements were made for a meeting the following day. "I and my deputy high commissioner, after a bit of conversation, were told that we, along with five other diplomats and officials, are 'persons of interest' in the inquiry of the killing of (Hardeep Singh) Nijjar," Verma revealed. The Canadian authorities requested the waiver of diplomatic immunity for Verma and his colleagues for interrogation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the investigating agency. Verma took this request back to India for further consultation, underscoring the role of diplomats as messengers between nations.

The allegations against Indian agents being involved in Nijjar's murder in 2023 have been vehemently denied by New Delhi, labeling them as absurd and unfounded. Despite these tensions, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that while intelligence had been shared with India, concrete evidence was not provided. "We have never done anything covert, Canada has not shared a shred of evidence," Verma stated, emphasizing India's position on the matter.