New Delhi: The Indian government issued a strongly-worded statement on Monday, rejecting Canada’s suggestion that Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and other diplomats are "persons of interest" in an investigation. India labeled these claims as "preposterous imputations" and accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration of pursuing a political agenda centered on vote bank politics. India also reserved the right to take further measures in response.
Tensions between India and Canada have been ongoing since September 2023, when Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. India categorically denied these accusations as "motivated and absurd." The diplomatic dispute escalated recently when Canada named Verma as a "person of interest" in the investigation of Nijjar's death.
In its statement, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that despite repeated requests, the Canadian government has failed to provide any evidence supporting India's involvement. The MEA accused Trudeau of using the situation for political gains while neglecting to address separatist elements within Canada. The statement highlighted that this latest development is part of a deliberate strategy to tarnish India’s image for political purposes.
The Indian government cited Trudeau’s past actions, including his 2018 visit to India, which it claimed was aimed at appeasing a specific vote bank. The statement also criticized Trudeau for including individuals in his cabinet who support extremist and separatist agendas. It pointed out that his administration's reliance on the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, who openly advocates separatism, has further complicated matters.
The MEA suggested that Canada’s actions against Indian diplomats are an attempt to distract from criticism over its handling of foreign interference in its domestic politics. It also accused Canada of supporting extremists who have harassed and threatened Indian diplomats and community leaders, all under the pretext of freedom of speech. The statement further alleged that some individuals who entered Canada illegally were fast-tracked for citizenship, while multiple extradition requests for terrorists and organized crime leaders from India were ignored.
Defending Sanjay Kumar Verma, the MEA described him as India’s most senior diplomat, with a distinguished career spanning 36 years. The ministry dismissed Canada’s accusations as "ludicrous" and deserving of contempt.
The Indian government also criticized the activities of the Canadian High Commission in India, accusing it of serving the political agenda of Trudeau’s government. In response, India implemented the principle of reciprocity concerning diplomatic representation and stated that it reserved the right to take further action.
On October 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Justin Trudeau briefly interacted during the East Asia Summit in Laos. Trudeau mentioned that he discussed the "work that we need to do" with Modi but did not provide specific details, emphasizing his focus on the safety of Canadians and the rule of law.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force and a fugitive wanted by the Indian government, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, in June last year.
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