LAGATAR24 DESK
Washington D.C.: The US State Department has denied recent reports suggesting that Indian diplomats were expelled from Washington amid escalating tensions between India and Canada. Addressing the matter at a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller clarified, “I am not familiar with this report that we expelled Indian diplomats… I’m not aware of any expulsion.” The denial follows India’s recent recall of six diplomats from Canada after they were designated as “persons of interest” in connection with the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
In response to inquiries about Vikash Yadav, a former Indian government employee implicated in a foiled plot targeting pro-Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Miller stated that extradition decisions rest with the US Justice Department. Miller confirmed that the US and Indian governments recently exchanged updates on their respective investigations, with a delegation from India visiting Washington to brief American officials on the case.
“We have been in dialogue with the Government of India about this matter,” Miller said, underscoring the US’s stance that “real accountability” is essential in resolving the matter. Both governments have emphasized the importance of continued cooperation as investigations unfold.
