US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, emphasized the need for India to collaborate with Canada on the investigation into the killing of Sikh separatist advocate Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The Canadian Prime Minister had suggested possible involvement of Indian government agents in the murder, causing strains in India-Canada relations. Blinken expressed concern over the allegations, urged accountability for those responsible, and called for cooperation between Canada and India.
The issue has placed the United States in a diplomatic quandary between its ally Canada and India, which it has been courting as a partner to counter Chinese influence. The US State Department officially mentioned the discussion in the meeting, which covered various aspects of the US-India relationship.
Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, supported the Khalistan cause. India expressed willingness to examine specific information from Canada on the matter, while Canada had previously shared “credible allegations” with India, although evidence has not been publicly disclosed.
The US also expressed deep concern over the allegations raised by Canada, and information related to the case was gathered by the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.