US ‘deeply concerned’ by Trudeau’s allegations over Nijjar killing

WASHINGTON — The US has reiterated that it is ‘deeply concerned’ by the allegations levelled by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the involvement of officials from Indian agencies in the murder case of Canada-based pro-Khalistan hardliner Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In response to a query during a regular press briefing on Monday, the spokesman for the US State Department, Matthew Miller, said: ‘We remain in close contact with our Canadian partners, as Secretary Antony Blinken stated on Friday (September 22). We believe it is critical for Canada’s investigation to proceed and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

‘We have publicly – and privately – urged the Indian government to cooperate in the Canadian investigation.’

The spokesman’s remarks came days after Blinken urged India to cooperate with Canada and ensure ‘accountability’ for Nijjar’s killing on June 18 outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on September 22, Blinken said the US has been in touch with both India, with which it has warming ties, and Canada, a close ally.

The Secretary of State also indicated that the US was playing more than a passive observer’s role.

‘We have been consulting very closely with our Canadian colleagues – and not just consulting, but also coordinating with them – on this issue.

‘From our perspective, it is critical that the Canadian investigation proceeds, and it is important that India works with the Canadians on this investigation. We want to see accountability, and it is important that the investigation runs its course and leads to that result,’ he added.

Trudeau’s accusation has led to a diplomatic spat between India and Canada, with New Delhi rejecting Ottawa’s claims as ‘absurd and motivated,’ followed by tit-for-tat expulsions of senior diplomats and travel advisories.