Recalled Indian Envoy Claims Trudeau’s Circle Includes Khalistani Extremists
Recalled Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma has alleged that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s close associates include Khalistani extremists and anti-India elements.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Verma claimed that the Trudeau government shields these extremists for domestic political gain, leading to increasing tensions between India and Canada.
Verma pointed to Trudeau’s controversial 2018 India visit, where Khalistani sympathizer Jaspal Atwal was invited to official events, as an indication of pro-Khalistani elements within his circle. “Justin Trudeau has a number of friends who are anti-Indian elements and Khalistani extremists,” Verma said.
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated significantly in recent weeks after the Canadian government implicated Indian diplomats in the investigation into the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In response, India recalled its diplomats, including Verma, and expelled six Canadian diplomats.
Addressing Canada’s claim that India has not cooperated in the Nijjar probe, Verma stated that India had not been presented with any credible evidence. He emphasized that India had acted within the framework of the Vienna Convention, denying any wrongdoing.
Security Concerns for Indian Diplomats
Verma also revealed that Indian consulates in Canada had faced constant threats from Khalistani extremists, with diplomats being harassed on social media. Despite receiving some security from Canadian authorities, Verma noted that many of his colleagues remained vulnerable.
Trudeau’s government has acknowledged possessing only “intelligence,” not legal evidence, linking Indian officials to Nijjar’s assassination, further complicating diplomatic relations between the two nations.
