US claims India not cooperating with Canada on Nijjar investigations.
India has accused the Trudeau government of deliberately allowing violent extremists and terrorists to operate freely, enabling them to harass, threaten, and intimidate Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada. The Indian government expressed concerns over the safety and security of its representatives and citizens in Canada, suggesting that the Canadian authorities have failed to adequately address these threats. This assertion reflects ongoing tensions between India and Canada, particularly regarding the presence of pro-Khalistan activists and their activities, which India views as a serious threat to its national security and diplomatic relations with Canada.
In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has alleged that India is not cooperating with Canada regarding the investigation into the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed reporters on Tuesday, stating that the allegations surrounding the case are “extremely serious” and warrant serious attention from India. He expressed the hope that the Indian government would collaborate with Canada in its investigative efforts but noted, “Obviously, they have not chosen that path.”
This statement came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had recently accused Indian government officials of involvement in Nijjar’s assassination, which occurred in June 2023 in Surrey, British Columbia.
In response to Trudeau’s allegations, the Indian government has vehemently denied any involvement in the assassination. India not only recalled its High Commissioner from Canada but also expelled six diplomats from New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement asserting that since the allegations were first made in September 2023, the Canadian government had failed to provide any evidence to substantiate its claims, despite numerous requests for information. The ministry characterized these actions as part of a broader strategy to smear India for political gains under the guise of an investigation.
The statement further criticized Trudeau’s administration, arguing that his past actions demonstrated a longstanding hostility toward India. It referenced Trudeau’s controversial visit to India in 2018, which was perceived as an attempt to gain favor with a specific vote bank but ultimately backfired. The ministry also pointed out that several members of Trudeau’s cabinet have been associated with extremist and separatist agendas concerning India, highlighting a troubling pattern of interference in Indian domestic politics.
India’s response suggested that Trudeau’s government is leveraging the allegations against India to divert attention from its own challenges, particularly in light of criticism for not adequately addressing foreign interference in Canadian politics. The ministry indicated that the latest accusations against Indian diplomats coincide with Trudeau’s upcoming appearance before a commission investigating foreign interference, implying that the allegations serve both the anti-India separatist agenda and the political interests of the ruling party.
Additionally, India asserted that the Trudeau government has created an environment that allows violent extremists and terrorists to operate freely in Canada, leading to harassment, threats, and intimidation directed at Indian diplomats and community leaders. The Indian government cited instances of death threats against its representatives and claimed that some individuals with extremist views have been fast-tracked for Canadian citizenship. It also noted that multiple extradition requests regarding terrorists and organized crime figures residing in Canada have been ignored, further complicating the bilateral relationship.
Amid these developments, the United States has opted not to take a definitive stance on the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada. When asked for comments, Miller reiterated the seriousness of the allegations but refrained from making any specific remarks regarding the escalating tensions. He emphasized the U.S. position, stating, “They’re serious allegations. They have chosen an alternate path.”
The unfolding situation highlights the complexities of international diplomacy, especially in the context of allegations related to terrorism and political interference. As the investigation continues, the implications for India-Canada relations remain significant, with potential repercussions for regional stability and diplomatic ties. The international community will be closely monitoring these developments, as they reflect broader issues of national security, sovereignty, and the challenges of addressing terrorism in a globalized world. Both India and Canada face critical decisions ahead regarding their diplomatic strategies and the management of rising tensions between the two nations.