Trudeau destroyed ties on basis of mere intel: Ex-envoy
Sanjay Verma, the former Indian high commissioner to Canada, has pointed fingers at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for straining the bilateral ties between India and Canada without concrete evidence, alleging that Trudeau’s actions have emboldened Khalistani extremists. Despite facing criminal accusations and being recalled from his post, Verma maintains his innocence and laments Canada’s failure to provide evidence or adhere to established protocols.
Sanjay Verma, departing Indian high commissioner to Canada, has labeled the allegations against him as driven by political motives. He has pointed fingers at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, blaming him for sabotaging the political ties between India and Canada.
The individual mentioned that Canada’s actions were guided by intelligence rather than evidence. Additionally, he expressed concern that Ottawa was inadvertently supporting Khalistan extremists who collaborate with Canadian intelligence agencies.
Last week, Canada announced the expulsion of Verma, citing suspicions of involvement in criminal activities.
The former envoy claims that Trudeau himself acknowledged the lack of evidence.
India recently announced the recall of Sanjay Verma and other Indian diplomats after Canada claimed to have expelled them for alleged involvement in criminal activities. In response, India retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats. Verma, in an interview with Canada’s CTV before departing to India, criticized the decision, stating that Justin Trudeau himself admitted to lacking evidence. He emphasized that destroying a relationship based on intelligence without concrete proof is unwarranted. Verma also addressed concerns about extra-judicial killings, asserting that India has never engaged in such practices and criticized double standards on the issue, pointing out that some G7 countries have been involved in such incidents. Regarding any involvement in Nijjar’s murder, Verma denied any connection, stating that no evidence was presented and attributing the accusations to political motives.
Verma pointed out that Canada deviated from the typical procedure of sharing evidence upfront. He remarked, “The evidence ought to have been shared initially, but instead, someone (Trudeau) opted to address the matter in Parliament without concrete proof, as he himself admitted.” Verma further emphasized that Canada had neglected to respond to India’s extradition requests for 26 individuals linked to terrorist acts.
He emphasized that ever since that day, he has taken measures to ensure that the bilateral ties with India continue to deteriorate, declining steadily. Verma pointed out that Canada’s alleged evidence is primarily hearsay-based, gathered by questioning individuals, many of whom are known to support Khalistan and hold anti-India sentiments.Verma mentioned that ever since that day, he has taken deliberate steps to ensure a continuous decline in bilateral relations with India. He expressed skepticism about the evidence Canada purports to possess, noting that it relies heavily on hearsay. Verma emphasized that individuals approached for information are often affiliated with pro-Khalistan or anti-India groups.
Canadian officials had requested Indian authorities to revoke Verma’s diplomatic immunity so they could question him. Verma insisted on seeing the evidence and knowing the reason for interrogation. He explained that the Canadian law enforcement had not followed the correct procedure as they applied for visas late and failed to provide a clear agenda for their visit. Verma highlighted that the officials submitted their application on the same day they were planning to leave for India, which led to delays in the process of coordination between the two countries.
Verma denied any involvement of the Indian government in targeting individuals for their death when questioned about it. He criticized the Canadian Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, accusing her of making political statements without any substantial evidence. Verma made it clear that he condemns Nijjar’s murder, emphasizing that any act of murder is unacceptable. He strongly refuted allegations of him or other Indian diplomats gathering information to target Canadian citizens, urging for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Verma, the High Commissioner of India, refuted any involvement in such activities, stating, “As the High Commissioner of India, I have never engaged in such actions. That is the first point.” He also emphasized the importance of understanding the activities of pro-Khalistani groups in Canada, affirming, “Secondly, my colleagues, do we wish to be informed about the actions of pro-Khalistani elements in Canada? Absolutely, as it is in the interest of my nation.” Addressing the issue of extra-judicial killings, Verma asserted that India, as the largest democracy, would never resort to such practices. However, he criticized certain G7 countries for engaging in such acts, albeit without explicitly naming them.
