Amid the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, following the June 18, 2023, “killing,” of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the U.S. State Department, on October 15, 2024, called Canada’s allegations “extremely serious,” and urged the Indian government to cooperate with Canada’s investigation.
When asked about the impact of the India-Canada diplomatic row on India-US relations, State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller reaffirmed that, “India continues to be an incredibly strong partner of the United States,” highlighting the ongoing collaboration, particularly the shared commitment to a “free, open, prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”
“And when we have concerns, we have the kind of relationship where we can take those concerns to them and have very frank, candid conversations about those concerns. And that’s what we’ve been doing,” he added.
In response to a question about an October 15th meeting between officials from the Indian Enquiry Committee, and representatives from the U.S. State Department, Miller went on to say that this discussion was a continuation of ongoing high-level talks the past few months. The meeting addressed the Department of Justice’s indictment of “an Indian government employee who directed a foiled plot to assassinate a U.S. citizen in New York City.”
“They [Indian officials] have told us that they are taking the allegations seriously, that the activities contained in the DOJ indictment do not represent government policy. 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,” he added.
Tensions between India and Canada have continued to escalate, with the latest round leading to a mutual expulsion of diplomats. On October 14th, following Canada’s decision to expel six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, India responded by expelling six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi, including Canada’s Acting High Commissioner, Stewart Ross Wheeler. India has asked the Canadian diplomats to leave the country prior to October 19th.
In a statement released on October 14th, India’s Ministry of External Affairs, pointed out that Canada through its diplomatic communication indicated that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats were being considered “persons of interest,” with respect to the ongoing investigation of the killing of Nijjar. The statement went on to say that India firmly rejected these claims, labeling them as “absurd,” and attributing them to the “Trudeau government’s political motives,” particularly its focus on “vote bank politics.”
“Since Prime Minister Trudeau made certain allegations in September 2023, the Canadian Government has not shared a shred of evidence with the Government of India, despite many requests from our side,” the statement continued. “This latest step follows interactions that have again witnessed assertions without any facts. This leaves little doubt that on the pretext of an investigation, there is a deliberate strategy of smearing India for political gains.”
The statement also mentioned that the Canadian government has deliberately allowed “violent extremists and terrorists to harass, threaten, and intimidate Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada,” including issuing death threats to both diplomats and Indian leaders.
“All these activities have been justified in the name of freedom of speech. Some individuals who have entered Canada illegally have been fast-tracked for citizenship. Multiple extradition requests from the Government of India in respect of terrorists and organized crime leaders living in Canada have been disregarded,” it further added.
However, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated, on October 14th, that Canadian officials had shared evidence with their Indian counterparts, gathered by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), identifying six Indian government agents as “persons of interest in criminal activities.” As a result of India’s refusal to cooperate with these investigations, Trudeau conveyed that Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly was forced to expel the Indian diplomats.
“They must leave Canada. They will no longer be able to act as diplomats in Canada, nor to re-enter Canada, for whatever reason,” Trudeau added.
On the same day, Trudeau’s office released a statement announcing that he and UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, had discussed recent developments regarding the “targeted campaign against Canadian citizens.” The statement alleged that these acts were carried out by agents connected to the Indian government.
“The leaders discussed the need to ensure the safety and security of their citizens and the importance of upholding and respecting the rule of law,” the statement added. “Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Canada’s continued interest in co-operation with India to address this serious matter. Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Starmer agreed to remain in close and regular contact.”
