Ex-Envoy Sanjay Verma Hails Canada Police Chief's Statement, Calls Trudeau's Allegations Political
Former High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, has strongly welcomed recent remarks by the Canadian National Police Chief, which indicate no link between the Indian state and the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Verma described this development as a clear vindication of India's long-held position and labeled earlier allegations by the Trudeau government as politically motivated.
RCMP Chief Clarifies Position on Foreign Interference
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme, in an interview with CTV, stated that there is currently no threat to Canadians from any agent linked to India. He emphasized that while earlier statements in 2024 were based on criminal investigations at the time, the dots do not connect to a foreign entity in ongoing cases of transnational repression. Duheme specifically addressed the Bishnoi gang's activities in cities like Surrey, Brampton, and Calgary, noting the complexity of these cases and stressing that no confirmed links exist between the gang's criminal actions and the Government of India.
Verma's Analysis of the Two Buckets Approach
Sanjay Verma explained that the RCMP chief's statement effectively separates the issue into two distinct categories. The first bucket involves the criminal case related to Nijjar's killing, where four Indian nationals, who entered Canada as students, are currently on trial. Verma emphasized that this legal process should proceed independently without external interference.
The second bucket pertains to broader allegations of transnational repression and foreign interference. Verma reiterated India's consistent stance that it does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. He expressed satisfaction that Canadian authorities have now clarified there is no link to any foreign entity, including India, in these matters.
Background of Diplomatic Tensions
India and Canada experienced a significant diplomatic chill in 2023, triggered by New Delhi's concerns over Canada's perceived leniency towards Khalistani extremist elements. Then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were involved in the killing of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Canada. In response, Canada issued a diplomatic communication suggesting that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats were persons of interest in the case.
India strongly rejected these claims, terming them preposterous imputations and part of the Trudeau government's political agenda. Following this, Verma and five other diplomats were recalled by New Delhi. Verma, during the interview, described these earlier accusations as driven by vote-bank politics and lacking credible evidence.
Hope for Improved Bilateral Relations
Verma expressed optimism that the recent clarification by Canadian authorities will help mend and improve bilateral ties between India and Canada. He stated, "I hope this augurs well for the future relationship between the two countries." Both nations have been working consistently to normalize relations, with efforts culminating in visits such as Mark Carney's trip to India.
He added, "We always said that this is politically motivated; we always said that there is no evidence available to say so. And we are glad that this is coming true and finally they will see India for what it is, a deep civilization and India, which doesn't interfere with any other country's internal affairs."
The former envoy's comments highlight a turning point in the diplomatic narrative, underscoring the importance of evidence-based discourse in international relations.
