The United States has expressed its commitment to closely coordinate with Canada regarding allegations suggesting the involvement of the Indian government in the fatal shooting of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This development follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent claims linking the Indian government to Nijjar’s killing, which occurred outside a Gurdwara in Canada in June.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed this issue during a daily press briefing, emphasizing the ongoing collaboration between the US and Canada concerning Nijjar’s tragic death.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on June 18. His death has sparked a diplomatic dispute between Canada and India, with serious allegations being made by the Canadian Prime Minister.
During a debate in the Canadian Parliament, Prime Minister Trudeau asserted that Canada’s national security officials had credible reasons to believe that “agents of the Indian government” were responsible for Nijjar’s killing. Nijjar also held the position of president at Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara.
India promptly rejected these allegations, categorizing them as “absurd” and “motivated.” Furthermore, Canada has not yet provided any public evidence to substantiate the claims linking the Indian government to Nijjar’s murder.
Matthew Miller of the US State Department disclosed that the United States has engaged with the Indian government on multiple occasions, urging them to cooperate with Canada’s ongoing investigation. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed this matter with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar during their recent meeting.
Trudeau’s Call for Constructive Engagement: Prime Minister Trudeau has expressed Canada’s willingness to “work constructively with India” to address the allegations. During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to resolving this serious issue.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged that there have been long-standing issues between Canada and India due to perceived permissiveness in Canada regarding terrorism, extremism, and violence. He clarified that the Indian government is open to examining any specific and relevant information provided by the Canadian side related to the case.
In response to Trudeau’s allegations, India suspended its visa services in Canada. Additionally, India issued an advisory to its citizens and travelers to Canada, urging them to exercise “utmost caution” due to concerns about growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and violence in the country.
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Source: NDTV
