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The strained relationship between India and Canada, fueled by accusations and counter-accusations, is laid bare in an exclusive interview with Sanjay Verma, India's former ambassador to Canada. Verma, who served during a period marked by escalating tensions, provides a firsthand account of the threats faced by him and his diplomatic team from Khalistani extremists, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of the crisis.
Verma reveals that despite ongoing investigations into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen of Indian origin, Canada has not provided India with any concrete evidence to support their accusations of Indian government involvement. This lack of evidence, coupled with Prime Minister Trudeau's public pronouncements without concrete proof, has fueled tensions and further eroded trust between the two nations. Verma, who was declared persona non grata by Canada, asserts that he and his colleagues were subjected to consistent threats and intimidation from Khalistani groups, including online harassment, protests at Indian diplomatic missions, and verbal abuse at public events. He emphasizes that while the Canadian authorities did provide some security measures, these were insufficient to deter the persistent threats. Verma's account highlights the real and present danger faced by Indian diplomats in Canada, who operate in an environment where extremist groups enjoy a degree of support and tolerance.
Verma further criticizes Canada's lack of cooperation in addressing India's concerns regarding Khalistani activities. He alleges that the Canadian authorities have been unresponsive to repeated reports of extremist threats and have failed to take concrete action against individuals flagged as persons of interest. He points out that while Canada has been quick to accuse India without substantial evidence, they have been slow to respond to India's own extradition requests, which have been pending for years. Verma's accusations point to a disturbing pattern of double standards and selective enforcement, raising questions about the commitment of the Canadian government to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of foreign diplomats.
Verma's assessment of the situation sheds light on the political undercurrents fueling the tensions. He suggests that Trudeau's government, facing domestic political pressures and seeking to appease certain segments of the population, has been hesitant to crack down on Khalistani extremism, despite the threats it poses to India's sovereignty and security. He points to Trudeau's circle of advisors, some of whom are known to be sympathetic to Khalistan, as a potential contributing factor to this inaction. Verma warns that the current situation, characterized by a lack of trust, miscommunication, and political maneuvering, could lead to a point of no return in the bilateral relationship. He emphasizes that unless Canada addresses India's core concerns regarding the Khalistani threat and takes concrete measures to combat extremism, a meaningful and lasting reconciliation between the two countries will be impossible.
Verma's interview serves as a stark reminder of the perils of extremism and its impact on diplomatic relations. The escalation of tensions between India and Canada raises serious concerns about the future of bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and education. The case also highlights the need for nations to work together to combat cross-border terrorism and to ensure that freedom of expression does not come at the expense of national security and the safety of diplomatic personnel.