The United States accused India of not cooperating with Canada in its investigation into the killing of a Sikh leader last year, PTI reported.
Speaking at a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “We have emphasised the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of India’s cooperation with Canada. Unfortunately, India has opted not to do so.”
This comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian officials of being involved in the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey last June.
Trudeau further claimed that the RCMP had “clear and compelling evidence” of Indian government agents engaging in threatening activities, including murder, targeting South Asian Canadians. He condemned these actions as “unacceptable.”
India, however, dismissed these allegations, recalling its High Commissioner from Canada and expelling six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi. India’s Ministry of External Affairs criticised Canada for making baseless accusations and failing to provide evidence despite repeated requests. It described the situation as a political strategy by Trudeau to tarnish India’s image for domestic gains.
India also accused Trudeau’s government of “supporting extremists” and allowing them to threaten Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada, often in the guise of free speech. The ministry also mentioned that Canada’s government has ignored India’s extradition requests for terrorists and criminals.
