'Extremely serious allegations': US on India-Canada diplomatic row

Tensions have heightened since Canada accused the Indian government of being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist advocate who was murdered outside a Sikh temple in Canada last year.

The United States, on Tuesday, called out India for its lack of cooperation in Canada's investigation into the assassination of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, describing the allegations as "extremely serious." On Tuesday, the US urged India to address these allegations from Canada regarding an assassination plot, as tensions between the two nations continue to flare up.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated, "When it comes to the Canadian matter, we have made clear that the allegations are extremely serious and they need to be taken seriously. We expect the government of India to cooperate with Canada in its investigation." He further remarked, "Obviously, they have not. They have chosen an alternate path."

The diplomatic rift intensified after India and Canada expelled each other's ambassadors on Monday, following Canada's claims of increased Indian involvement in operations against Sikh separatists. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserted that New Delhi had committed a "fundamental error" regarding these actions.

Tensions have heightened since Canada accused the Indian government of being involved in the killing of Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist leader who was murdered outside a Sikh temple in Canada last year. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, had been a prominent proponent of an independent Sikh state.

While the US has suggested that a similar, though unsuccessful, assassination plot was orchestrated by India on American soil, it has approached the matter with greater discretion. An Indian "Enquiry Committee" was dispatched to Washington on Tuesday to address these allegations, according to the State Department.

Miller noted that India had informed the US that it continues to investigate potential links involving a former government employee and will determine follow-up steps as necessary. “They have told us that they are taking the allegations seriously, that the activities contained in the DOJ indictment do not represent government policy,” he remarked responding to a question.

“So the meeting that happened this week or that is happening today by India’s inquiry was to discuss their active investigation into the matter, for us to update them on our active investigation into the matter, and to continue to share sides about steps that could happen in the days and weeks to come,” he said in response to a question.

India "has informed the United States they are continuing their efforts to investigate other linkages of the former government employee and will determine follow-up steps, as necessary," the State Department said.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby remarked, "The fact that they sent an Enquiry Committee here demonstrates that they are taking this seriously."

India has acknowledged that it is taking seriously allegations of a plot to assassinate an American citizen. During meetings with officials from the State Department and the Department of Justice, Indian representatives confirmed that the activities outlined in a US Department of Justice indictment do not reflect government policy.

Miller explained that the purpose of this week's meetings was to discuss ongoing investigations and share updates regarding the allegations. The discussions followed the indictment of Indian national Nikhil Gupta, charged with collaborating with an Indian government official in a foiled plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic last year and extradited to the U.S. in June.

Despite the ongoing allegations, Miller reiterated that India remains a strong partner of the United States, collaborating on numerous issues, including a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. He underscored the necessity of open and honest discussions concerning any issues between the two countries. Miller also reaffirmed that India continues to be a crucial partner for the United States.

He stated, "We collaborate on various issues, including our mutual vision for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. When we have concerns, we enjoy a relationship that allows us to express those concerns openly and engage in honest, straightforward discussions. That’s precisely what we have been doing."

The India-Canada standoff began in September last year after Trudeau made remarks about a "credible allegation" that "agents" of the Indian government were linked to the killing of Nijjar, who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Vancouver three months earlier.

(With inputs from agencies)