US wades into India-Canada tussle with support for Trudeau's investigation
The United States has expressed its support for Canada's ongoing efforts to investigate allegations of India's involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and one of India's most-wanted terrorists.
Nijjar was gunned down by unidentified assailants outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. The US emphasised that no country should receive a "special exemption" for such activities.
"As soon as we heard about the allegations from the Canadian Prime Minister, we publicly expressed our deep concern about them, our support for a law enforcement process to determine what happened, and to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters at a White House news conference.
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'No special exemptions'
Sullivan confirmed that the US is fully committed to maintaining communication with both Canada and India as the investigation unfolds. He stated that regardless of the country involved, there would be no special exemptions for actions of this nature.
"We will stand up and defend our basic principles," Sullivan declared. He also dismissed suggestions of a growing rift between the US and Canada over this issue, firmly stating, "We have deep concerns about the allegations, and we want to see this investigation through to hold the perpetrators accountable."
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Regarding evidence related to the Canadian allegations, Sullivan declined to comment, citing confidentiality surrounding intelligence and law enforcement matters. He reiterated the ongoing collaboration between the US and Canada as the investigation progresses.
'No wedge between the US and Canada'
Sullivan rejected the idea of a wedge between the US and Canada on this issue. "We have deep concerns about the allegations, and we would like to see this investigation carried forward and the perpetrators held to account. That is what the US has stood for from the moment this emerged in public, and we will continue to stand for that until this fully plays out," he said.
He added that the US is in constant contact with their Canadian counterparts and is consulting with them closely. "We support the efforts that they are undertaking in this investigation and have also been in touch with the Indian government," he said.
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India's response
In response to the escalating tensions, India has called on Canada to take decisive action against terrorists and anti-India elements operating from its soil. India has temporarily suspended visa services for Canadians and urged Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff in India, emphasizing the importance of maintaining parity in strength and rank equivalence between the two nations' diplomatic missions.
The size of Canada's diplomatic staff in India currently exceeds that of India's diplomatic presence in Canada. While addressing these concerns, India underscored the need for balanced and respectful diplomatic relations.
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India-Canada standoff
India-Canada relations are at a critical juncture following Trudeau's allegations of Indian government involvement in Nijjar's killing. India has firmly refuted these allegations as "absurd and motivated." The dispute has led to the reciprocal expulsion of diplomats, advisories for citizens residing in each other's countries, and an ongoing diplomatic standoff.
The controversy began when Trudeau mentioned potential ties between India and Nijjar's murder during a speech in the Canadian House of Commons. The situation remains unresolved, with both nations engaged in discussions and efforts to address the issue.
The diplomatic tensions have escalated significantly, with advisories issued for the safety of citizens residing in India and Canada, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
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The Canadian government has gathered both human and signals intelligence to support its allegations against India in the investigation of a Khalistani terrorist's death, which has intensified tensions between the two countries, sources told CBC News.
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Canadian government sources revealed that the intelligence includes communications involving Indian officials, including Indian diplomats present in Canada.
However, the intelligence did not come exclusively from Canada. Some was provided by an unnamed ally in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which includes the US, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, in addition to Canada.
Biden raised Nijjar’s death with Modi at G20
US President Joe Biden, along with other leaders, expressed concern to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about Canada's claims about terrorist Nijjar's death during the G20 Summit held in Delhi.
According to a report by the Financial Times, several members of the Five Eyes, an intelligence-sharing network that includes the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, raised the issue of Nijjar's killing in June this year.
Two people familiar with the situation also told the FT that Biden and other leaders intervened after Canada urged its allies to raise the case with PM Modi.