United States Department of State
US Urges India’s Cooperation in Canada’s Probe Over Nijjar Killing
The United States has called for India’s cooperation in Canada’s investigation into the assassination of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Describing the allegations as “extremely serious,” the US emphasized the importance of India’s engagement in addressing the claims of an assassination plot, which has escalated tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa.
US Criticizes India’s Lack of Cooperation
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller highlighted the gravity of the situation, urging India to take the allegations seriously. “We expect the government of India to cooperate with Canada in its investigation,” Miller stated, adding that India had chosen “an alternate path” instead of fully cooperating. This criticism comes after both India and Canada expelled each other’s ambassadors following accusations of Indian involvement in operations targeting Sikh separatists in Canada.
Rising Tensions Over Nijjar’s Assassination
The diplomatic conflict began when Canada accused India of involvement in the killing of Nijjar, who was shot outside a Sikh temple in Canada last year. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was a prominent advocate for an independent Sikh state. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called India’s actions a “fundamental error,” further straining relations between the two countries.
In response to these allegations, India has dispatched an “Enquiry Committee” to Washington to discuss the claims. Meetings with US officials are focused on ongoing investigations and potential follow-up actions. The US State Department acknowledged India’s efforts to address the matter, with Miller noting that India is “taking the allegations seriously” and continuing its own investigations into possible links involving a former government employee.
US and India Address Separate Assassination Plot
Alongside the tensions with Canada, the US has been investigating a separate, unsuccessful plot allegedly orchestrated by India on American soil. The US Department of Justice has charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who is accused of collaborating with an Indian official in a failed plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic and extradited to the US earlier this year.
During recent discussions with US officials, Indian representatives reaffirmed that the actions detailed in the indictment do not represent official government policy. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby highlighted India’s seriousness by pointing to the presence of the Enquiry Committee in Washington.
As the US continues to stress the need for transparency and accountability, the diplomatic rift between India and Canada remains a complex issue, with implications for regional stability and international relations.
