US urges India to address serious allegations of Canada plot

The United States has called on India to take seriously the serious allegations made by Canada regarding the assassination plot of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Tensions have risen between the two countries as the US urges India to cooperate with Canada in its investigation. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the need for India to address these allegations and mentioned that India has not yet cooperated.

The diplomatic rift escalated when India and Canada expelled each other’s ambassadors. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that India’s involvement in actions against Sikh separatists was more significant than previously understood, describing it as a "fundamental error."

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed last year outside a Sikh temple in Canada. He was a prominent advocate for an independent Sikh state and had immigrated to Canada, where he became a citizen. The US has suggested that a similar, albeit unsuccessful, assassination attempt by India occurred on US soil but has dealt with it more discreetly.

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India's response

In response to the US allegations, an Indian "Enquiry Committee" traveled to Washington on Tuesday to discuss the case. The State Department confirmed that India has informed the US that it is continuing its investigation into other connections related to the former government employee involved in the allegations.

John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, noted that India's decision to send the committee to the US shows they are taking the matter seriously. The US has cultivated a partnership with India for over twenty years, seeing it as a crucial ally against China, despite concerns from human rights groups about India's democratic practices under Prime Minister Modi. 

As the situation evolves, both countries face significant diplomatic challenges, emphasizing the importance of addressing serious allegations to maintain international relations.