OTTAWA: The investigation into the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia last June has become embroiled in diplomatic tension, as revealed by India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma.
In an interview with The Globe and Mail newspaper, Mr. Verma expressed concerns over the impact of public statements made by high-level Canadian officials on the probe.
Canada has accused India of involvement in the Vancouver murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whom India has referred to as a “terrorist.” India vehemently denies these allegations. Mr. Verma pointed out, “I would go a step further and say now the investigation has already been tainted. A direction has come from someone at a high level to say India or Indian agents are behind it,” though he did not disclose the identity of the high-level official.
The situation escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated on September 18 that “Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the government of India” and Mr. Nijjar’s death. These allegations have led to a diplomatic rift between the two nations.
Canada’s response to the allegations was the withdrawal of 41 diplomats from India after New Delhi requested Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence following Canada’s accusations regarding Mr. Nijjar’s killing.
Mr. Verma emphasized that India has not been presented with concrete evidence by Canada or its allies to support claims of Indian agent involvement in Mr. Nijjar’s murder. Despite the strained relations, he expressed India’s desire to enhance business ties with Canada and return to the negotiating table on a trade deal.
In September, Canada paused talks on a proposed trade treaty with India, just three months after both nations had aimed to reach an initial agreement in 2023, reflecting the multifaceted impact of the ongoing dispute on bilateral relations.
