Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, asked Ottawa to produce evidence proving its allegations that the Indian government was behind the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Verma also urged Canada to ensure that its soil was not used by a group of Canadian citizens who want to “dismember India” and who want to “challenge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.”
Where is the Evidence?
“There is no specific or relevant information provided in this case for us to assist them in the investigation,” Verma said.
“Where is the evidence? Where is the conclusion of the investigation?”
“You are talking about illegal wiretaps and talking about evidence. Conversations between two diplomats are secure by all international law. Show me how you captured these conversations. Show me that someone did not mimic the voice,” he (HC Verma) said.” https://t.co/BHM4ZhLKdY
— Gokul Sahni (@Gokul_Sahni) November 6, 2023
Verma went on to say that the investigation had already been tainted. “A direction has come from someone at a high level to say India or Indian agents are behind it,” he asserted.
In the Friday interview, Verma claimed that public statements by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau had damaged the police probe into the killing.
Diplomatic Communication Protected
According to Canada, the intelligence behind India’s involvement was reportedly picked up from Indian diplomatic communications by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and an unnamed Five Eyes ally.
Five Eyes is an intelligence-sharing alliance of the US, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Verma denied Indian involvement in the killing, highlighting that diplomatic conversations are protected and cannot be released publicly or used as evidence in court.
“You are talking about illegal wiretaps and talking about evidence. Conversations between two diplomats are secure by all international law,” he said.
Furthermore, the envoy stressed, “Show me how you captured these conversations. Show me that someone did not mimic the voice.”
Concerns about Hate Speech
Verma mentioned that New Delhi had made 26 requests to Ottawa over the past five or six years to extradite people from Canada to India.
He said, “We are still waiting for action.”
On whether Canada had demanded anyone to be deported from India in relation to the killing, Verma said, “Those conversations are between the governments.”
The envoy stated that he had received several threats to his life in Canada, following which he had been given the Royal Canadian Mounted Police security.
Verma cited the posters targeting him and the Indian consul general; the posters, distributed by pro-Khalistan groups, called the Indian officials “enemies of Canada,” accusing them of running a “terror house” while also calling for their assassination.
“I feel that is hate speech and an incitement to violence,” he reiterated.
“I am concerned about my safety and security. I am concerned about the safety and security of my consul generals. God forbid if something happens.”
Need of Dialogue to Repair Ties
India-Canada diplomatic ties are at a historic low since Trudeau made the allegations.
The two countries have restricted visa services, and the Canadian side withdrew 41 diplomats from India, after New Delhi called for parity in their respective missions.
India is openly challenging Trudeau to present evidence to back his Sept. 18 claim that there are “credible allegations” about a “potential link” between India's government and a Sikh militant's killing, saying his claim has "tainted" Canada's own probe. https://t.co/1yZx8zO6Lm
— Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) November 5, 2023
Verma mentioned a need to deal with disputes “through professional communication and professional dialogue.” But added that India expects Canada to rein in Khalistan supporters.
While the envoy suggested that both parties should “let the investigation run its course” with regard to Nijjar’s killing, he underscored that Canada must also address what he called the “core issue.”
Additionally, Verma suggested that the trade deal between the two countries, which had been shelved, should be signed as soon as possible.