New Delhi – In a striking accusation, India's High Commissioner Sanjay Verma has claimed that Canada, a nation considered a friendly democracy, has "stabbed India in the back" through its unprofessional conduct regarding the Khalistani movement. Verma's comments came during an interview with the Press shortly after his return to India, highlighting a growing rift between the two countries. Verma discussed the origins of the Khalistani movement in Canada, outlining how it has garnered support from local politicians seeking electoral advantage.
He accused Khalistani supporters of engaging in criminal activities to bolster their ranks, further complicating the diplomatic landscape between the two nations. This diplomatic strain escalated after Canada accused Verma of being involved in the death of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who India labeled a Khalistani terrorist. Following these serious allegations and mounting tensions, India recalled Verma along with five other diplomats. In his interview, Verma pointed to the alarming rise of criminal activities linked to Khalistani supporters in Canada, including gun running and human trafficking.
He criticized Canadian officials for allegedly turning a blind eye to these issues, attributing their negligence to a desire to maintain "vote bank" politics. Verma emphasized that Canada's approach to handling bilateral relations has been drastically unprofessional. "If they believe that the relationship between our countries is valuable, they have diplomatic avenues available to address these issues constructively," he stated. As both nations grapple with the implications of these allegations and the evolving dynamics of their relationship, the international community watches closely to see how this conflict might unfold. With each side standing firm, the future of India-Canada relations hangs in the balance.