Diplomatic Tensions Rise: Indian High Commissioner Demands Proof from Canada
- Posted on November 5, 2023
- International Conflict and Politics
- By Arijit Dutta
- 270 Views
Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma has broken his silence on the allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Facing death threats and social media trolls, Verma urged Canada to provide evidence to support its claims or conclude its investigation into the matter. He expressed concern over the lack of substantial information and suggested that the investigation had been compromised by unfounded high-level directions.
Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar
Verma has broken his silence on the allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau regarding the involvement of Indian agents in the killing of
Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Facing death threats and social
media trolls, Verma urged Canada to provide evidence to support its claims or
conclude its investigation into the matter. He expressed concern over the lack
of substantial information and suggested that the investigation had been
compromised by unfounded high-level directions.
The controversy revolves around the
murder of Nijjar, an Indian-origin Canadian citizen, who was shot by
unidentified assailants outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June
18. Trudeau's sudden claim of Indian involvement in the killing created a
diplomatic uproar in both India and Canada. In response, India halted the
issuance of visas for Canadians and revoked the diplomatic immunity of 41
diplomats in New Delhi, accusing them of illegal wiretapping.
Verma challenged these allegations, questioning the authenticity of the evidence and the legality of the wiretaps, emphasizing that diplomatic conversations are secure under international law. He also revealed the threats faced by him and other diplomats from extremists, lamenting the lack of action by the Canadian government in addressing these concerns.
In contrast, Trudeau expressed a desire
to de-escalate tensions and maintain constructive relations with India. He
acknowledged the challenging phase in Canada-India relations and emphasized the
importance of having diplomats in India to support Canadian citizens and
families. Trudeau reiterated his government's commitment to engaging with India
responsibly and constructively.
The dispute between India and Canada in the Nijjar case has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in international relations. Verma's call for evidence and Trudeau's commitment to diplomatic engagement demonstrate the complex nature of this ongoing diplomatic standoff.