Trudeau has wrecked Canada-India political relations, says expelled envoy
1. Both countries ordered out six diplomats over Ottawa's allegations that New Delhi was targeting Indian dissidents on Canadian soil
OTTAWA: India’s envoy to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, who is being expelled over Ottawa’s claims of involvement in the murder of a Sikh leader, has denied the accusations and criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for damaging bilateral relations.
Both nations expelled six diplomats on Monday in a tit-for-tat response following Canada’s allegations that New Delhi was targeting Indian dissidents on Canadian soil. Trudeau specifically linked the six diplomats to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed last year in British Columbia.
In an interview with CTV, Verma dismissed the accusations, stating that Trudeau was relying on intelligence rather than hard evidence. "If you want to destroy a relationship based on intelligence, be my guest. That’s what he did," Verma said in the interview aired on Sunday.
When asked about his involvement in Nijjar’s murder, Verma firmly denied any connection, saying, "Nothing at all. No evidence was presented. This is politically motivated."
Canada, home to the largest Sikh population outside of India’s Punjab state, has seen pro-Khalistan demonstrations advocating for a separate Sikh homeland, a movement that has frustrated the Indian government.
