US Urges India To Address Canada's Assassination Claims Amid Rising Tensions

The United States has called on India to address Canada's allegations linking it to the 2023 killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which has led to heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Amid rising tensions, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the gravity of Canada's accusations, urging India to cooperate fully with Canada's investigation.

Photo Credit: PTI

"We have made clear that the allegations are extremely serious and need to be taken seriously," Miller said. He noted that India's response to the allegations has so far diverged from Washington's expectations, adding that "they have chosen an alternate path."

Relations between India and Canada have soured in recent weeks, with both nations expelling each other's ambassadors. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of a "fundamental error" in allegedly extending its campaign against Sikh separatist leaders beyond Indian borders.

Tensions escalated following the death of Nijjar, an advocate for an independent Sikh state, who was killed outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. A Canadian citizen, Nijjar was known for his support of the Khalistan movement, a Sikh separatist initiative, which India considers a threat to its sovereignty.

US and Indian Diplomatic Efforts Underway

In response to similar allegations, the United States has launched a quieter investigation into an alleged but unsuccessful assassination plot by India on US soil. A delegation from India's "Enquiry Committee" arrived in Washington on Tuesday to discuss the US allegations further. According to the State Department, India has assured US officials that it continues to investigate "linkages involving former government employees" and will consider necessary follow-up steps.

John Kirby, National Security Council spokesman, remarked on India's participation in the US discussions, stating, "The fact that they sent an Enquiry Committee here demonstrates that they are taking this seriously."

Strategic Importance of US-India Ties

Despite ongoing tensions, the United States views India as a crucial ally in balancing China's influence. Washington has spent over two decades strengthening ties with New Delhi, though rights groups continue to express concerns over perceived restrictions on democratic freedoms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.

With Canada working alongside its allies within the Five Eyes intelligence alliance to investigate Nijjar's assassination, international scrutiny over India's alleged involvement remains high. However, the United States continues to advocate for cooperation between its two strategic partners, aiming to ease the diplomatic strain while maintaining regional stability.