The United States has called on India to assist Canada in investigating the possible involvement of Indian agents in the murder of a Canadian citizen. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently revealed that Ottawa has credible intelligence linking Indian agents to the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim that New Delhi denies.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his concerns during a press briefing, stating, “We are deeply concerned about the allegations that Prime Minister Trudeau has raised. It is important for India to cooperate with Canada in this investigation. We want to see accountability.” While the White House has also expressed concerns about the allegations, Blinken’s statement marks the highest-ranking US official to comment on the matter so far.
Some traditional Canadian allies, including the US, have taken a cautious approach to the issue this week, possibly due to viewing India as a counterweight to China’s increasing dominance. Blinken reassured that the US has been closely consulting and coordinating with Canada on this matter.
Trudeau, during a press conference, emphasized the need for India’s cooperation, saying, “We are willing to work constructively with India. We hope they engage with us so we can get to the bottom of this serious matter.” Additionally, Canada had already shared the credible allegations with India weeks ago, according to Trudeau.
Reports have claimed that the Canadian government has collected human and signals intelligence in an ongoing investigation into the murder. The intelligence reportedly includes communications of Indian officials in Canada and comes from an unidentified ally in the Five Eyes alliance, an intelligence-sharing network comprising the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, Trudeau’s office has neither confirmed nor denied these reports.
Senior Canadian government sources have indicated that Trudeau would not have publicly addressed the issue without a high level of confidence in the intelligence gathered.