INVC NEWS
Washington – The diplomatic dispute between India and Canada has deepened significantly over the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canada has signaled potential sanctions against India, while India has firmly rejected the allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The situation has now drawn the attention of the United States, with U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller characterizing the Canadian allegations as serious and asserting that India should cooperate with Canada in the ongoing investigation.
Matthew Miller stated to reporters, “Regarding the allegations from Canada, we have made it clear that the accusations are extremely serious and need to be taken seriously. We want the Indian government to work with Canada on this investigation.” He further mentioned, “India has chosen an alternative path in this matter.”
In light of the severe allegations from Canada surrounding the Nijjar assassination, India issued orders on Monday for Canadian diplomats to leave the country by October 19. Alongside this, India rejected Canada’s claims of connecting its diplomats to the investigation into Nijjar’s murder and announced the withdrawal of its high commissioner from Canada.
India has strongly dismissed the attempts by Canadian officials to link Indian agents to criminal gangs operating in Canada. Official sources have indicated that Canada’s assertion of having shared evidence regarding the Nijjar case with India is false. Meanwhile, as tensions escalate between the two nations, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has stated that the possibility of imposing sanctions on India remains on the table, asserting that “all options are being considered.”
This situation presents significant diplomatic challenges for both nations, highlighting the complexities of international relations amid allegations of extraterritorial actions and the involvement of a third party, the United States, calling for cooperation and dialogue.
