Washington: The United States has entered the fray amid escalating tensions between India and Canada over the murder of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar, urging India to cooperate in the ongoing investigation. The U.S. State Department expressed concern over India’s lack of cooperation, with spokesperson Matthew Miller stating that the allegations in the case are “serious” and should be taken seriously by the Indian government.
During a daily press briefing, Miller emphasized, “We have made it clear that these allegations are grave and need to be addressed. We want the Indian government to collaborate with Canada in their investigation. Clearly, they have chosen a different course.” While the U.S. stopped short of commenting on the broader diplomatic row between India and Canada, Miller reiterated Washington’s desire for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The Catalyst: Trudeau’s Explosive Accusations Against India
The diplomatic fallout stems from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s explosive claims that Indian government agents were involved in the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. Trudeau alleged that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had “clear and compelling evidence” linking Indian officials to Nijjar’s murder, sparking a major diplomatic crisis between the two nations.
According to Trudeau, the evidence points to India’s involvement in a series of activities threatening South Asian Canadians, including intelligence gathering, coercion, and more than a dozen violent acts, culminating in Nijjar’s killing. He declared these actions “unacceptable” and a severe breach of public safety. These claims have rocked Indo-Canadian relations, which have been steadily deteriorating over the years.
India Rejects Allegations, Takes Strong Diplomatic Actions
India, however, has categorically denied Trudeau’s accusations, branding them as politically motivated and unsupported by evidence. In response, New Delhi recalled its High Commissioner from Canada and expelled six Canadian diplomats from the Indian capital, accusing the Canadian government of orchestrating a smear campaign for domestic political gains.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the allegations, stating, “Despite repeated requests, Canada has provided no evidence to back its claims since Trudeau first made these allegations in September 2023. This latest move is part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish India’s global image under the guise of an investigation.” The MEA further accused Trudeau of fostering an environment where extremist and separatist elements operate freely, fueling anti-India sentiments for political benefits.
The ministry went on to criticize Trudeau’s leadership, pointing out that his administration has consistently harbored individuals with extremist ideologies. “Prime Minister Trudeau’s antagonism toward India has been evident for years. His 2018 visit to India was marked by controversy, especially due to his attempts to appeal to a vote bank associated with separatist movements. His cabinet has included individuals aligned with extremist and separatist agendas. Trudeau’s government has continually interfered in India’s internal affairs, especially during the 2020 farmers’ protests, which further worsened diplomatic relations.”
A Broader Political Agenda? India Alleges Trudeau’s Motives
India’s MEA also suggested that Trudeau’s accusations come at a politically sensitive time, as he faces pressure at home for failing to address foreign interference in Canadian politics. The ministry argued that dragging India into this controversy is an attempt by Trudeau to deflect criticism and distract from his government’s failures on national security.
“Canada’s latest actions come at a time when Prime Minister Trudeau is under scrutiny for his government’s handling of foreign interference. It is no coincidence that these accusations have been revived just as Trudeau is set to testify before a commission investigating foreign influence. This further promotes the anti-India separatist agenda that his government has long supported for narrow political gain,” the statement read.
India also charged Canada with providing a safe haven for violent extremists and terrorists who have been allowed to intimidate Indian diplomats and community leaders. The MEA claimed that Canadian authorities have ignored death threats against Indian officials, granting citizenship to individuals involved in criminal activities under the pretext of freedom of expression. Moreover, India pointed out that several of its extradition requests for individuals involved in terrorism and organized crime residing in Canada have been left unanswered.
The Growing Rift: A Test for Diplomatic Ties
The India-Canada diplomatic standoff has reached a critical juncture, with both nations standing firm on their positions. While the U.S. has so far refrained from taking sides in the broader conflict, its call for cooperation in the investigation indicates growing international concern over the incident.
As the rift deepens, experts believe that the situation could have far-reaching consequences for India’s relationships with not only Canada but also its Western allies. Diplomatic observers are closely watching how both nations will navigate this crisis, as the tension could have implications on trade, security, and international cooperation in the months to come.
With neither side showing signs of backing down, the global community awaits further developments in what has become one of the most significant diplomatic crises between India and Canada in recent years.
