Variations in India’s Cooperation with US and Canada Investigations Explained by Diplomat
The Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, elucidated the differing responses from India in the investigations pursued by the United States and Canada. He highlighted India’s active cooperation in the American investigation concerning an alleged assassination attempt and its limited engagement in Canada’s probe into the killing of Khalistani militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This discrepancy in cooperation, Verma explained, was influenced by the distinctiveness in the information provided by both nations.
During an interview with CTV’s Question Period, Verma emphasized that the US authorities had shared more comprehensive and specific information regarding their investigation compared to what Canada had offered. This discrepancy in the level of information shared played a pivotal role in determining India’s cooperation in the respective cases.
Recent reports from the UK-based Financial Times revealed the US thwarting an alleged plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, designated as a terrorist by India. This information, as stated in the Financial Times and sources familiar with the matter, was communicated to India by the US.
Addressing the allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing, Verma firmly denied India’s participation and dismissed the accusations as baseless and politically driven. These allegations further strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Verma stressed that India’s cooperation with the US investigation was due to the legally presentable inputs, showcasing a connection between criminals, drug traffickers, terrorists, and gun smugglers in the US, with some perceived links to India. However, he clarified that these connections did not imply involvement by the Indian government but rather individuals among the country’s large population.
Regarding Canada’s input into Nijjar’s killing, Verma noted the limitations in responding as the discussions lacked specific and relevant details necessary for legal action. He highlighted the need for factual and specific information to proceed with any investigations, emphasizing the rule of law in such matters.
Despite discussions during the visit of Canada’s National Security Advisor to India, Verma reiterated the necessity for precise and relevant information for legal authorities to grant permission for an investigation. He clarified that until such specific inputs were provided, India couldn’t advance its investigations in accordance with legal protocols.
Verma revealed that the US had shared inputs with India regarding the nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists, and others during recent discussions on India-US security cooperation. These inputs are currently under scrutiny by relevant Indian departments.
In summary, Verma emphasized the importance of specific and legally presentable information for India to actively engage and cooperate in investigations, distinguishing between India’s responses to the US and Canada based on the quality and relevance of the shared information.