US Bats For 'Fair Probe' Into Canada's Allegations Against India Over Nijjar Killing

Amid the tensions between India and Canada over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the US has said that there ought to be a full and fair investigation into Canada's allegations.

The United States has raised concerns regarding Canada's allegations that the Indian government was involved in the killing of separatist Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. ( Image Source :PTI )

The United States has raised concerns regarding Canada's allegations that the Indian government was involved in the killing of separatist Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Speaking at a news conference, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the US has said there ought to be a full and fair investigation into Canada's allegations pertaining to the involvement of the Indian government in Nijjar's killing earlier this year. Miller said, adding, "Canada has said it is committed to doing that, and we believe the Indian government should cooperate with it."

VIDEO | “We are obviously quite concerned about the situation in Canada and we have cooperated closely with our Canadian counterparts. We have urged India to cooperate in the investigation and we’ll continue to do so. India remains an important partner to the US and we work with… pic.twitter.com/uwJ7PSaeHl

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 26, 2023

Canada has accused India of being involved in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India has termed the allegations "baseless" and said Canada has become a safe haven for terrorists.

Responding to a question on a row between Canada and India after the conclusion of the G20 Summit in New Delhi., Miller said, "We are obviously quite concerned about the situation in Canada. We have cooperated closely with our Canadian counterparts, and we have urged India to cooperate in that investigation and we'll continue to do so". India remains an important partner of the United States, he added.

Concerned About Foreign Interference: Canada Envoy At UN

Amid the tensions between India and Canada over the killing of pro-Khalistan Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada's envoy to the United Nations, Robert Rae raised the issue of “foreign interference,” adding that the rules of state-to-state relations cannot be bent for "political expediency." Robert Rae’s remarks came at a time when Canadian PM Justin Trudeau alleged India's role in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 

During his address to world leaders at the UN General Assembly, Rae said, “Like many people in your countries, I can assure you that Canadians are also worried about the cost of living, artificial intelligence, foreign interference, misinformation, and disinformation. Canadians are also experiencing climate and environmental crises.".

“We also have to uphold the values of free and democratic societies...we cannot bend the rules of state-to-state relations for political expediency,” he said. Rae added, “Because we’ve seen and continue to see the extent to which democracies are under threat through various means of foreign interference". He also said that countries can succeed only if they come together.