India was convicted for the killing even before the probe could be completed - Indian High Commissioner

The Indian government remains steadfast in its request for "specific and relevant" evidence from Canada regarding the Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder case, despite Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma's assertion that India was "convicted" in the killing before the completion of the investigation.

While facing pressure from the United States to collaborate in the Canadian probe into Nijjar's killing, New Delhi has consistently rebuffed Canada's allegations of potential involvement by Indian agents, dismissing them as unfounded and absurd.

Canada, however, claims that its "credible allegations" against India gained credibility this week when the United States endorsed reports of thwarting an alleged plot involving Indian authorities to eliminate another Khalistan leader and U.S.-Canadian citizen, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

"India was convicted even without..." - Indian High Commissioner to Canada Seeks Evidence on Nijjar Killing

"Even before the investigation was completed, India was convicted. Is that a rule of law?" questioned Verma in an interview with a local news channel. When asked about his use of the term "convicted," Verma explained, "Because India was asked to cooperate."

"If you look at the typical terminology, when someone asks to cooperate, it means you are already convicted, and you better cooperate," stated Verma in a rare TV interview. "We took it in a very different interpretation, but we always said that if there is anything specific and relevant and communicated to us, we will look into it."

India's response to the U.S. claims about the Pannun assassination plot differed significantly from its reaction to Canadian allegations. In the Pannun case, the Indian government promptly acknowledged receiving information from the U.S. about a nexus between organized criminals and terrorists. However, it stopped short of admitting a connection between Indian agencies and the plot, according to the White House. After the issue was raised with India, the Indian government stated that such activity was not its policy.

When questioned about the alleged plot to eliminate Pannun, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that his government had been collaborating with allies, including the U.S., since the "middle of the summer."

"Obviously, we continue to engage with India in hopefully constructive ways, and we hope India will continue to take these real concerns seriously," Trudeau commented.

During the virtual G20 Summit on Wednesday, Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and international law.