Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, who was recently recalled from Canada, described how pro-Khalistani activists surrounded him near the exit and attempted an attack.
In an unsettling recent incident in Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, escaped unscathed after a near-fatal attack from Khalistanis. The assailants were said to have attacked with swords, one of which, alarmingly, nearly struck Verma within two inches. “Harrowing” he described the experience. This encounter was part of a string of targeted acts against Indian diplomats and individuals of Indian origin amidst an upsurge in pro-Khalistani activism in Canada.
The incident occurred at a public event in Canada where those wielding swords and other offensive weapons approached with seriousness to discourage Mr Verma and his fellow representatives. This incident casts further aspersions on the safety of Indian diplomats and nationals in Canada, especially in the background of the increasing terror of Khalistani activities in that country. Canadian law enforcement is facing tremendous pressure to provide robust security so that foreign diplomats are not at risk.
Rising Concerns for Indian-Origin Citizens in Canada
The whole scenario, with an increasing crescendo of anti-Indian sentiments, has created an atmosphere of insecurity for the Indian diaspora within Canada. This is only one of the many recent incidents in which members of the Indian-origin and Hindu-Canadian communities have expressed fears about the increasing aggressiveness of certain pro-Khalistani groups. Just recently, a prominent Indian-origin Member of Parliament in Canada, Chandra Arya, reiterated these fears in Parliament, insisting on more vital protective actions from the Canadian administration.
Diplomatic Strains Between India and Canada
Stirred the ongoing state of diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, especially since there have been accusations from New Delhi about challenges created by Canadian pro-Khalistan groups. India has several times called on Canada to consider those concerns and tackle activities by these groups, which it claims threaten Indian sovereignty. Recently, the Indian government summoned the Canadian High Commissioner to discuss the escalating tensions while also calling for quick precautions against violent elements within the Canadian pro-Khalistan factions.
Internally, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Canadian government has faced criticism for toeing its hard line on the issue. India maintains that Canada’s in-house failure or deliberate procrastination in addressing those emerging threats further worsens a strained relationship made worse by Canada’s allegations against India in unrelated political issues.
Broader Implications and Future Actions
India has remained vocal in the wider international arena by reiterating the severe threats posed by Khalistani separatist factions emanating from Canadian soil. It claims these movements shall not only destabilise peace locally but hold the potential to pose a greater peril to international diplomatic relations. On the other hand, the Canadian authorities assure that the situation shall come under close monitoring, alongside the necessary actions to defend countries that pose risks to diplomatic endeavours.
A high-profile occurrence reiterates the ongoing rift between diplomatic corps and their respective authorities while at the same time reflecting the hard circumstances Indian diplomats have to brave. The Indian community expects a speedy response from the Canadian authorities to secure their safety and freedom from any fears of intimidation. This is a growing geopolitical demand by both countries to try and extricate themselves from the situation in a manner that guarantees their diplomatic security and peace for a community.
