Envoy Claims India’s Conviction in Hardeep Nijjar Probe Without Sufficient Evidence

The Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has raised objections to New Delhi being “convicted” in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil before the investigation concluded. Verma urged Canada to provide evidence to support the allegations, emphasizing India’s commitment to investigate specific and relevant information.

In an interview with CTV news, Verma questioned the rule of law, highlighting India’s perceived conviction merely based on being asked to cooperate. Despite this, he reiterated India’s willingness to investigate with concrete evidence.

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Tensions arose between India and Canada when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in Nijjar’s murder. India dismissed the allegations as absurd and expelled a Canadian diplomat in retaliation. Canada, however, has not presented any evidence, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Recently, India resumed electronic visa services for eligible Canadian citizens, effective November 22, 2023, following a security review. This move followed Canada’s withdrawal of 41 diplomats from India and the suspension of visa and consular services in certain Indian consulates. The diplomatic spat began with New Delhi expressing concerns to Ottawa about the disproportionate number of diplomats in India, seeking diplomatic parity.