Former Envoy Sanjay Verma Welcomes Canada's Clarification on India's Non-Interference Policy
India's former High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has expressed his satisfaction regarding recent statements made by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme. In a significant development, Commissioner Duheme indicated that there is no evidence connecting India to transnational repression activities. Verma described this clarification as a positive step that could enhance the future relationship between the two nations.
Background of Diplomatic Tensions
The diplomatic friction between India and Canada escalated in October 2024 when New Delhi recalled Verma following a sharp decline in bilateral relations. This downturn was primarily triggered by allegations from former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who suggested an Indian link to the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was designated as a terrorist by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA).
In an interview with ANI, Verma emphasized that interfering in the domestic affairs of other countries is not part of India's foreign policy. He noted that his previous assertions on this matter were not accepted by the Canadian government at that time. The situation has since seen a notable recovery under the leadership of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who undertook an official visit to India from February 27 to March 2, 2026.
RCMP Commissioner's Clarification on Investigations
Shortly after Prime Minister Carney's visit, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme provided clarity in a media interaction. He stated that based on current criminal data and ongoing investigations, law enforcement does not see any connection with foreign entities regarding transnational repression. Verma explained that Duheme has effectively separated the issues into two distinct categories.
First Bucket: This involves the investigation into the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. A court case is currently ongoing against four Indian nationals who went to Canada as international students. Charges have been filed against them, and their trial is proceeding.
Second Bucket: This pertains to broader allegations of India's engagement in transnational repression and crimes in Canada. Verma reiterated that India does not interfere in other countries' internal affairs and expressed relief that this view is now being acknowledged.
India's Response to Previous Allegations
In late 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reacted strongly when Canada labeled Verma and other diplomats as 'persons of interest'. The Indian government dismissed these claims as "preposterous imputations" and attributed them to the political agenda of the Trudeau government, which it said was centered around vote bank politics. New Delhi consistently argued that the previous Canadian administration failed to provide any evidence to support its allegations.
The MEA further stated that the aspersions cast on Verma were "ludicrous and deserve to be treated with contempt," accusing the former government of smearing India for narrow political gains.
Current Diplomatic Thaw and Future Prospects
The efforts to normalize and strengthen the partnership between India and Canada have intensified in recent months. This diplomatic thaw reached a significant milestone during Prime Minister Carney's visit to India, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations. Verma expressed hope that the recent statements from the RCMP commissioner will augur well for the future relationship, fostering greater cooperation and trust between the two nations.
As both countries continue to engage in dialogue and collaboration, the clarification on transnational repression issues is seen as a crucial step in rebuilding mutual respect and understanding in their diplomatic ties.
