In a striking account, former Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has raised concerns over a lack of protection from Canadian authorities against violent incidents. Verma, who was recently recalled by India, shed light on the rising threat posed to diplomats by Khalistani groups.
Verma shared his first experience of intimidation, where, while en route to a community event in Greater Vancouver, he was confronted by men openly wielding swords and threatening violence. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) advised him to avoid the event due to safety concerns, a moment Verma describes as “disturbing.”
“I never expected to be targeted as a diplomat, but these are different times,” Verma explained in an interview with ANI, referencing multiple incidents where diplomats have faced similar confrontations.
The diplomatic tension escalated on October 12 when Verma and other Indian officials were summoned by Canada’s foreign ministry and handed sealed envelopes. They were informed they were “persons of interest” connected to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a known Khalistani terrorist, leading to Canada declaring Verma “persona non grata.” This designation marked a new low in India-Canada relations, with Indian officials strongly rejecting the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
Verma’s account is not an isolated case. He mentioned other diplomats facing similar threats in Western countries, including Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Sandhu, and Vikram Doraiswami in the UK, who have both encountered hostile crowds. According to Verma, the idea of a “safe West” has been shaken by recent attacks on diplomats.
“Strangely enough, it’s happening in Western countries, where we think diplomats are safer,” Verma said, criticizing Western nations for referring to such acts as “protests” rather than hooliganism.
The relationship between India and Canada has been tense since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested India might be involved in Nijjar’s killing, a claim India vehemently denies. The alleged lack of action against Khalistani elements within Canada has only further strained the relations.
This new era of diplomatic threat, according to Verma, marks a troubling departure from tradition, emphasizing how the safety and integrity of diplomatic missions now face unprecedented challenges globally.
