Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s envoy to Canada, who was recently withdrawn by New Delhi, has openly criticised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accusing him of wrecking diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Verma, in an interview on Sunday, dismissed allegations by the Canadian government linking him to the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, calling the accusations “politically motivated.”
Verma, in a pointed statement, said, “On the basis of intelligence, if you want to destroy a relationship, be my guest. And that’s what he [Trudeau] did.” The tension stems from Trudeau’s accusation that Indian diplomats were involved in Nijjar’s murder in British Columbia last year.
Verma categorically denied any involvement, stating, “Nothing at all. No evidence was presented. (This is) politically motivated.”
He further questioned the legitimacy of the allegations, arguing that no evidence had been shared with him.
“On what basis do they want to question me? If you are a defendant, which I am not, then evidence would be shared... even if you are caught for a petty crime,” he said, adding that he needed to know what evidence the Canadian government had against him.
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have deteriorated sharply, especially since India withdrew diplomats following Trudeau's accusations. Canada responded by expelling Indian diplomats, leading India to order six more Canadian diplomats out of the country.
The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi has fiercely criticised Ottawa, calling the allegations against Verma “ludicrous” and insisting that they should be “treated with contempt.”
The ministry added that it has “no faith in the current Canadian government’s commitment to ensure the security” of Indian diplomats.
Verma, one of India’s senior-most diplomats, has had a distinguished career with postings in Japan, Sudan, Italy, Turkey, Vietnam, and China.
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