Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The United States has called for India’s cooperation with Canada in the ongoing investigation into the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in Vancouver last year. The allegations linking the Indian government to the assassination have led to a deepening diplomatic rift between the two nations.
During a press briefing in Washington, D.C., State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the seriousness of the accusations and urged both countries to work together. “The allegations are extremely serious. We wanted to see the Government of India cooperate with Canada, but obviously, they have not chosen that path,” Miller said when asked about the escalating tensions between Delhi and Ottawa.
The US, which has maintained a cautious approach since the crisis erupted, reiterated the need for collaboration between India and Canada without directly criticizing either side. “We have urged them to cooperate and will continue to do so,” Miller added.
India has consistently rejected Canada’s allegations as “absurd” and “motivated,” pointing out that no concrete evidence has been presented to support the claims. New Delhi has also suggested that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations may be politically driven, coming at a time when his popularity is declining ahead of next year’s elections.
India-US Relations Remain Strong
Despite the ongoing crisis, Miller underlined the strength of India-US relations, emphasizing the two countries’ shared vision for a “free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” He noted that while the US can address concerns with India, the broader partnership remains robust. “India continues to be an incredibly strong partner,” Miller said.
India-Canada Crisis Deepens
The diplomatic row between India and Canada, which has been simmering for over a year, reached new heights after Trudeau’s public accusation in September, in which he claimed Indian agents were involved in Nijjar’s killing. Trudeau cited “credible information” shared with intelligence partners, including the US, to support his claims. However, India has dismissed these allegations, demanding proof.
The situation worsened this week after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) accused Indian agents of collaborating with organized criminal elements, specifically the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, to target pro-Khalistani individuals in Canada. Trudeau further escalated the matter, accusing India of supporting “criminal activity” on Canadian soil.
This led to a tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats, with India expelling Canada’s acting High Commissioner, Stewart Wheeler, and recalling its own High Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar Verma, citing security concerns.
Background on Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and the leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, was on India’s list of most wanted terrorists. He was accused of multiple crimes, including the murder of a Hindu priest in Punjab. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had offered a Rs 10 lakh reward for information leading to his capture.
