Diplomatic Rift Deepens: India's High Commissioner Accuses Canada of Harboring Extremists

Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has accused Canada's intelligence agency of supporting Khalistani extremists. Verma asserts that these extremists are used as assets by the Canadian government, which he claims encourages activities against India's sovereignty. Tensions have escalated since the killing of Khalistani terrorist Nijjar.

In a startling revelation, Sanjay Kumar Verma, the recalled Indian High Commissioner to Canada, has alleged that Canada's Security Intelligence Service maintains links with Khalistani extremists, describing them as 'deep assets' of the agency. Verma leveled these accusations during an interview with CTV News, further criticising the Canadian government for what he describes as the encouragement of these extremist groups.

Verma emphasized the need for the Canadian government to take these concerns seriously and discontinue their association with individuals challenging India's sovereignty. He argued that decisions regarding India's future should only involve its citizens, not outsiders. The Ambassador strongly refuted Canada's accusations against him, regarding any involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, describing them as politically driven without concrete evidence.

Highlighting the diplomatic tension, Verma clarified that his team only gathered information from publicly available sources to address national interests, rebuffing allegations of coercive intelligence operations. The strained ties between the two nations date back to accusations made by Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau in Parliament, which India dismissed as baseless and politically motivated. The situation has further deteriorated following allegations and the subsequent recalling of Indian diplomats, including Verma.

(With inputs from agencies.)