Sanjay Kumar Verma Denies Involvement in Nijjar Killing as Canada-India Diplomatic Rift Deepens

The killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023 has triggered one of the most serious diplomatic disputes between India and Canada in decades. Nijjar, a vocal supporter of the Khalistan movement, was shot dead by unidentified assailants, and Canadian authorities soon began probing the alleged role of foreign actors. Four Indian nationals were arrested in connection with the murder, and speculation grew that the killing had international dimensions.

Former Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma | File Image | News18

Canada’s Allegations Against Indian Diplomats

In September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a stunning announcement in Parliament, claiming that his government possessed “credible evidence” linking Indian government agents to Nijjar’s assassination. He argued that such actions amounted to a violation of Canadian sovereignty and could not be ignored.

Canadian intelligence agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), suggested that Indian diplomats might have worked in concert with organized crime networks to target Sikh activists. Reports even pointed to alleged collaboration between Indian agents and the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. As a result, Canada expelled several Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, labeling them as “persons of interest” in the case.

India’s Strong Rebuttal

India reacted sharply to Trudeau’s claims, dismissing them as politically motivated and “absurd.” The Ministry of External Affairs described the Canadian move as an unjustified escalation, arguing that Ottawa had failed to provide any concrete evidence. New Delhi responded by expelling Canadian diplomats and recalling its envoy, accusing Canada of harboring extremists linked to Khalistani separatist groups.

The Indian government maintained that its activities in Canada were limited to tracking the political activities of separatist organizations through publicly available sources, and not through covert or violent means. For India, the accusations reflected a deeper problem in bilateral ties—Canada’s alleged tolerance of anti-India groups operating under the banner of free speech.

Verma’s Personal Defense

Amid the storm, Sanjay Kumar Verma himself has spoken out, strongly rejecting any involvement in Nijjar’s killing. In interviews with Canadian and Indian media, he insisted that no evidence had been shared with him or the Indian government to back Canada’s allegations. He argued that Trudeau’s government had acted prematurely, using the issue for domestic political gain.

Verma recounted that the information Indian diplomats collected on Sikh separatists came solely from open sources such as news reports, public speeches, and social media activity. He underscored that intelligence gathering of this kind was routine for diplomats and did not amount to interference.

He also highlighted the risks faced by Indian officials in Canada, recalling a frightening incident in Alberta when Khalistani activists allegedly attacked him and his wife with swords during a public appearance. The lack of adequate protection from Canadian authorities, he suggested, illustrated the dangers faced by Indian diplomats on Canadian soil.

Wider Implications and Ongoing Tensions

The Nijjar case has gone beyond a single murder investigation—it has become a test for Canada-India relations. Trudeau’s claims have hardened Canadian public opinion, while India has accused Ottawa of shielding extremists. Diplomatic expulsions, the suspension of trade negotiations, and the freezing of bilateral cooperation have deepened the rift.

More recently, reports by CSIS have framed Nijjar’s killing as part of a broader campaign of “transnational repression” allegedly carried out by Indian agents abroad. Canada has signaled that it will not let the matter fade, even as it continues to engage with India on global forums such as the G7.

Conclusion

The Nijjar murder case has transformed into a flashpoint in international diplomacy, straining relations between two democratic allies. While Canada insists it has credible evidence, India continues to demand proof, calling the allegations baseless. Sanjay Kumar Verma’s firm denials and Canada’s insistence on its claims reflect the stalemate.

For now, the crisis underscores not only the fragile state of India-Canada ties but also the larger challenge of addressing separatist movements, diaspora politics, and the blurred lines between activism and extremism. The coming months will determine whether this rift deepens into long-term estrangement or is managed through cautious diplomacy.

(Sources: Firstpost, Hindustan Times, News18)