U.S. Pressures India to Cooperate as Assassination Scandal Rocks Canada Relations
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| India Vs Canada Diplomatic Tensions. |
In recent weeks, diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have intensified, following accusations from Canada about India's involvement in targeted assassinations, particularly concerning Khalistani terrorists like Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Canada claims that Indian agents may be operating within Canada, orchestrating these assassinations.
The situation escalated when the U.S. State Department, through spokesperson Matthew Miller, urged India to cooperate with Canada in investigating these allegations. Miller emphasized that India had not yet shown sufficient cooperation regarding the investigations, and he reiterated the seriousness of these claims.
Adding to the complexity, an Indian investigation team traveled to the U.S. to probe accusations involving an Indian agent, Nikhil Gupta, and his potential involvement in Pannun’s assassination plot. Meetings between Indian officials and U.S. authorities have taken place to discuss ongoing investigations. The U.S. Justice Department confirmed these meetings, emphasizing their importance in uncovering the truth behind the allegations.
Despite India's efforts to address these claims, both the Canadian and U.S. governments continue to press for more cooperation. India has firmly denied the accusations, describing them as baseless and a part of anti-India propaganda. In a previous statement, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, made it clear that targeted killings do not align with India's governmental policy.
Diplomatic relations took a significant hit when India recalled several of its top diplomats from Canada, while Canada was asked to repatriate six of its diplomats from India by October 19, 2024. As both countries grapple with these allegations, diplomatic channels remain strained, with the international community closely monitoring the developments.
India-Canada Diplomatic Crisis: A Timeline of Events and What Lies Ahead
