India Canada diplomatic row: US embassy denies speculations of impact on Delhi-Washington relations
New Delhi, October 05: In response to a Politico report titled 'Why Biden's mum on the India-Canada spat', the US Embassy in India issued a statement dismissing the claims. The report had quoted an official suggesting that US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti had indicated that India-US relations could face temporary difficulties and that the US might need to reduce its engagements with Indian officials for an unspecified duration.
The US Embassy's statement emphasised Ambassador Garcetti's dedication to strengthening the partnership between the US and India. It highlighted his active engagement and public schedule, underlining the strategic importance of the relationship between the two nations.
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The diplomatic standoff between New Delhi and Ottawa began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. India promptly refuted the allegations, describing them as "absurd" and "motivated."
The Biden administration has maintained that Canada's allegations require a thorough investigation. The issue was raised during meetings between India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, as well as during discussions between Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, urged both countries to address their bilateral relationship concerning the allegations. He emphasized the seriousness of the accusations and the importance of a thorough investigation, encouraging India's active participation in the process.
The Washington Post previously reported that Canadian officials had sought public condemnation of Nijjar's murder from its allies, including the US, in advance of the G20 summit. However, their efforts faced reluctance from these allies.
- With inputs from agencies
