US urges India to address Canada’s assassination plot allegations
Tensions rise as US backs Canada's serious allegations against India
The United States urged India on Tuesday to take seriously Canada’s allegations of an assassination plot, as tensions rose between the two nations. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stressed the severity of the allegations and called for India’s cooperation in Canada’s investigation. Miller noted that India has opted for a different approach.
On Monday, India and Canada expelled each other’s ambassadors. Ottawa accused India of deeper involvement in a campaign against Sikh separatists than previously known. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau labelled New Delhi’s actions a “fundamental error.”
Tensions have intensified since Canada accused the Indian government of being involved in last year’s killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Sikh temple. Nijjar, a proponent of an independent Sikh state, had immigrated to Canada and gained citizenship.
Breaking: US says Canada's allegations on India 'extremely serious, need to be taken seriously'. Adds, want Indian govt to "cooperate" with Canada which 'they have not' & 'chosen alternate path'. pic.twitter.com/4cAMx4e8Ao
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 15, 2024
The United States has also alleged a similar assassination plot by India on US soil, which it has handled more discreetly. An Indian “Enquiry Committee” visited Washington on Tuesday to discuss the US allegations, according to the State Department. India informed the US that it continues to investigate additional connections of the former government employee involved and will determine further actions as needed.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby remarked that India’s sending of an Enquiry Committee signals their seriousness about the matter.
For over two decades, the United States has viewed India as a vital partner against a rising China, despite criticism from rights groups about shrinking democratic space under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
What Other Media Are Saying
- SCMP reports the US urging India to seriously consider Canada’s allegations of an assassination plot, highlighting escalating tensions between the two countries.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did the United States urge India to do regarding Canada’s allegations?
The US urged India to take Canada’s assassination plot allegations seriously and cooperate in the investigation.
Why did India and Canada expel each other’s ambassadors?
They expelled ambassadors due to tensions over Canada’s accusations of India’s involvement in a campaign against Sikh separatists.
Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar and why is his killing significant?
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a proponent of an independent Sikh state killed outside a Sikh temple, sparking allegations against India.
How has the US handled a similar alleged assassination plot by India on its soil?
The US handled the alleged assassination plot more discreetly and engaged in discussions with an Indian Enquiry Committee.
Why is India considered a vital partner by the United States?
India is seen as a vital partner against a rising China, despite criticism over democratic issues under Prime Minister Modi.
