Indian High Commissioner denies role in Sikh leader's murder in Canada

In British Columbia, Canada, allegations have surfaced accusing Indian diplomats of involvement in the murder of a Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed last year. The Canadian government publicly identified India's high commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, as a person of interest in the case. Verma has vehemently denied any involvement, claiming that the allegations are politically motivated and lacking evidence. He criticized the accusations as absurd and challenged Canada to provide concrete evidence. Furthermore, it was reported that four Indian nationals have been charged with Nijjar's murder and are awaiting trial. Canadian authorities have linked Indian diplomats to various threats and violence against Sikh dissidents, alleging a broader campaign targeting separatists in Canada. This situation has escalated tensions between India and Canada, leading to diplomatic retaliations, including the expulsion of Canadian diplomats by India. The focus on the Khalistan movement, which advocates for a separate Sikh state in India, has also heightened rifts as it remains a contentious issue between the two nations. Separate from the Canadian situation, the U.S. Justice Department has announced charges against an Indian government employee in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader in New York. A broader pattern of such politically motivated actions raises concerns about foreign interference and violence. As diplomatic tensions rise, there is uncertainty regarding the future of bilateral relations between India and Canada.