Former Indian Envoy to Canada Expresses Relief Over RCMP Commissioner's Statement
India's former High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has voiced his approval following remarks by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme, who clarified that there is no evidence of transnational repression connected to India. Verma stated he was "very glad to see the statement" and expressed optimism that this development could positively influence the future relationship between the two nations.
Background of Diplomatic Strain
Sanjay Kumar Verma was recalled as Ambassador by India in October 2024, a move that occurred amid a significant deterioration in India-Canada relations. This downturn was triggered by allegations made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India's involvement in the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a terrorist designated by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA).
In an interview with ANI, Verma emphasized that it is not India's policy to interfere in the internal affairs of any other country. He noted that his previous statements as Ambassador were unfortunately not accepted by the Trudeau government at the time.
RCMP Commissioner's Clarification
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, in a recent interview with CTV, addressed the issue by distinguishing between two separate matters:
- First bucket: The case involving the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, where charges have been filed against four Indian nationals in Canada. Their trial is currently ongoing.
- Second bucket: Allegations of India's engagement in transnational repression and crimes in Canada. Duheme stated, "We're not seeing any connection right now with any foreign entity, based on the criminal information we have presently."
Verma highlighted this separation, reiterating that India does not engage in such activities and expressing hope that this clarity will mend bilateral ties.
India's Strong Rejection of Allegations
In October 2024, India issued a strongly-worded response to diplomatic communications from Canada that labeled Verma and other diplomats as "persons of interest" in an investigation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected these claims as "preposterous imputations" and attributed them to the Trudeau government's political agenda focused on vote bank politics.
The MEA statement further criticized Canada for failing to provide any evidence to support Trudeau's allegations since September 2023, accusing the Trudeau administration of "a deliberate strategy of smearing India for political gains" and pandering to anti-India separatist agendas.
Recent Improvements in Bilateral Relations
India and Canada have been working to normalize and strengthen their relationship in recent months. This effort culminated in a visit to India by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney from February 27 to March 2, 2026. Following this visit, Commissioner Duheme's remarks have been seen as a step toward easing tensions and fostering better diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Verma concluded by expressing his hope that this positive development will lead to a more stable and cooperative future for India-Canada relations, moving past the controversies of the previous administration.
