India doesn't have a deep state: Ex-envoy to Canada on US indictment in Nijjar case

In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, India's former High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, addressed the recent US indictment in the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case, which did not name the Indian government. Verma stated that the Indian state has never been involved in such criminal activities, asserting, "India doesn't have a deep state." He criticized former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's earlier allegations, noting that statements from responsible leaders should not be issued before an investigation concludes. Discussing the motive behind Nijjar's killing, Verma suggested it was the result of a gang war, claiming the designated terrorist was involved in illegal activities and adding, "he was a part of the entire criminal syndicate himself." Addressing questions about Indian nationals Nikhil Gupta and Vikas Yadav, Verma maintained that the Indian government plays no role in targeting separatists abroad. Finally, Verma noted a distinct change in India-Canada relations under the new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, observing that ties are creeping back to normalcy.