The United States has expressed deep concern over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations against India regarding the killing of a Khalistani separatist in Canada. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Washington is closely coordinating with Ottawa on the issue and wants to see accountability in the case.
During a press conference, Blinken highlighted the US’s engagement with the Indian government on the matter, emphasizing the importance of completing the investigation into the incident. He stated that the US is deeply concerned about the allegations raised by Prime Minister Trudeau.
Trudeau had claimed in the Canadian Parliament that there were credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Indian government and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. In response, Blinken stated that it is critical for the Canadian investigation to proceed and for India to cooperate with it. The priority, according to Blinken, is to ensure that the investigation leads to accountability.
When asked about reports of President Joe Biden discussing the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Blinken refrained from giving details of diplomatic conversations but mentioned that the US has been engaged directly with the Indian government. He also emphasized the US’s vigilance against instances of alleged transnational repression, something that the international community should take seriously.
The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, had strained relations between India and Canada. India strongly rejected Trudeau’s allegations, calling them absurd and motivated. In response to Canada’s expulsion of an Indian official, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat.
While Canada has not provided public evidence to support its claims, media reports suggest that the allegations are based on both human and signals intelligence, as well as inputs from an ally in the Five Eyes intelligence network. The Canadian government reportedly has evidence, including communications involving Indian officials and diplomats present in Canada.
Prime Minister Trudeau stated that Canada does not seek to provoke or cause problems with India and called on New Delhi to take the matter seriously and work together to uncover the truth.
In response, India urged Canada to take strong action against terrorists and anti-India elements operating from its soil. India also suspended visa services for Canadians and requested a downsizing of the Canadian diplomatic staff in India.
The India-Canada relationship has been strained due to the increasing activities of pro-Khalistani elements in Canada, with India believing that the Trudeau government has not adequately addressed its concerns.
The US’s expression of concern over Trudeau’s allegations against India showcases its commitment to supporting accountability and a thorough investigation into the incident. It also highlights the US’s focus on combating alleged transnational repression globally. With tensions between India and Canada, it remains to be seen how the investigation progresses and whether it brings about a resolution to the issues at hand.
