The diplomatic rift between India and Canada has deepened following serious allegations leveled by the Canadian government against Indian officials, including Sanjay Kumar Verma, India's High Commissioner to Canada. In a decisive response to these accusations, the Indian government has ordered Verma and other diplomatic officials to leave Canada by October 19. The tension erupted after the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and prominent Sikh leader, which Canada accused India of being involved in.
Despite the gravity of the claims, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has yet to provide substantial evidence to support its allegations. The Indian government has firmly rejected these charges, insisting they are baseless and politically motivated. In an official statement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed their lack of trust in the Canadian government, citing a rise in radicalization and violence within Canada, and accusing Trudeau's administration of failing to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats."The Government of Canada has leveled baseless allegations against the Indian Ministry of External Affairs staff. Therefore, we give top priority to the safety of our officers," the ministry stated.
Who is Sanjay Kumar Verma?
Sanjay Kumar Verma, born on July 28, 1965, in India, boasts an impressive academic background, having graduated from Patna University and earned a Master's degree in Physics from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1988 and has since held various key positions, including High Commissioner to Hong Kong and Indian Ambassador to Japan and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
His extensive diplomatic career includes significant roles in embassies in China, Vietnam, and Turkey, as well as serving as Ambassador to Sudan. Prior to his post in Canada, Verma was recognized for his contributions as Joint Secretary and later Additional Secretary within the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India's Response to Allegations. The Indian ministry further condemned the Canadian government's handling of the situation, claiming that the Trudeau administration has harbored violent extremists who pose a threat to Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada.
They highlighted instances of intimidation and death threats against Indian officials, asserting that numerous requests for the extradition of terrorists and organized crime figures had been systematically denied by Canada. As tensions rise, the international community watches closely, with the implications of this diplomatic conflict poised to impact not only India and Canada but also their respective relationships with other nations.
