Withdrawn India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma has firmly denied any involvement in the killing of Canadian Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot in British Columbia last year.
In an exclusive interview on CTV’s Question Period, Verma dismissed the allegations as “politically motivated” and lacking evidence.
When asked directly if the Indian government had any role in Nijjar’s death, Verma responded,
“Nothing at all. No evidence was presented. Politically motivated.”
He also stated that India has never been involved in targeting individuals with the aim of their death. Verma’s remarks follow accusations by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian government, which claim that Indian diplomats and consular officials were involved in serious criminal activities, including homicides.
Relations between Canada and India have been tense since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s murder in 2023.
In response despite India’s withdrawal of its diplomats Canada announced to expel six Indian diplomats, including Verma, while India retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats. Verma maintains that no concrete evidence has been provided to India, dismissing Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly’s claims as “political.”
“Let me see the concrete evidence she’s talking about,” Verma said, expressing frustration over the lack of cooperation.
He also condemned Nijjar’s murder, stating,
“Any murder is wrong and bad. I do condemn it.”
Verma’s denial comes as Canadian officials, including the RCMP, continue efforts to engage with their Indian counterparts. However, India has refused to waive diplomatic immunity for Verma and other diplomats, hindering further investigation. Verma attributed this refusal to “technical” issues, such as the lack of proper visas for Canadian officials.
When asked if these actions give the impression that India has something to hide, Verma strongly refuted the notion, insisting India has been seeking evidence for over a year.
Meanwhile, Canada’s former High Commissioner to India, Cameron MacKay, stated in the same programme that Canada had shared sufficient information with Indian authorities since August 2023. He believes India is treating Canada and the U.S. differently in their respective investigations due to domestic political considerations.
Verma also addressed claims that Indian diplomats were involved in gathering information on pro-Khalistan activists in Canada. He denied any covert activities, explaining that any information collected was done openly, such as reading media reports and social media posts.
The case continues to strain diplomatic relations between Canada and India, with both nations standing firm in their respective positions.
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