In a dramatic escalation of Indo-Canadian relations, Sanjay Kumar Verma, the recently recalled Indian High Commissioner to Canada, has leveled serious allegations against the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). Speaking to CTV News, Verma asserted that Khalistani extremists and terrorists are being actively supported by Canadian intelligence agencies, claiming these groups are “deep assets” of CSIS.
“This is my allegation, I also know that some of these Khalistani extremists and terrorists are deep assets of CSIS,” Verma stated during the interview. While he refrained from providing concrete evidence to support his claims, he insisted that the Canadian government is “encouraging” Khalistani extremists. Verma emphasized the gravity of his concerns, urging Canada to address the issue earnestly.
“We only want the Canadian regime of the day, government of the day to understand my core concerns sincerely rather than being bedfellows with those who are trying to challenge Indian sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Verma remarked. He further stressed that the matters concerning India’s sovereignty should be determined by Indian citizens, highlighting that the Khalistani extremists involved are Canadian nationals.
The controversy stems from the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist designated as a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency in 2020. Nijjar was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. In the aftermath, the Canadian government labeled Verma and five other Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in the case, leading India to recall six diplomats, including Verma.
Verma vehemently denied all allegations made by Ottawa regarding his involvement in Nijjar’s assassination. “No evidence presented. Politically motivated,” he declared, dismissing the claims as baseless and driven by political motives. Responding to comments from Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, Verma challenged the lack of substantive evidence, suggesting that the accusations were merely political rhetoric.
Addressing accusations of espionage, Verma clarified, “I as High Commissioner of India had never done anything of that kind.” He explained that monitoring pro-Khalistani activities is a legitimate national interest for India, with his team utilizing open-source information such as newspapers, public statements, and social media to track extremist elements.
The diplomatic spat intensified after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a parliamentary session last year, asserted having “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s death. India has consistently rebuffed these claims, labeling them “absurd” and “motivated,” and accused Canada of harboring extremist and anti-India factions within its borders.
The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar remains a contentious issue, with ongoing investigations and heightened scrutiny of Indo-Canadian diplomatic relations. Verma’s recent statements are likely to further strain ties between the two nations, as both governments stand firm in their respective positions.
As the situation develops, international observers are watching closely, recognizing the broader implications for diplomatic relations and counter-terrorism cooperation between India and Canada. The call for concrete evidence and transparent dialogue remains pivotal in addressing the escalating tensions and restoring mutual trust.
