A top US official has expressed support for Canada’s efforts to investigate the alleged involvement of Indian agents in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in June, and urged India to cooperate with the probe.
John Kirby, the US National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications, said in an interview to CNN that the allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were “very serious” and required a “thorough, transparent, comprehensive investigation” .
Trudeau had told Canada’s parliament on Monday that there were “credible allegations” connecting Indian government agents to the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) 2. Nijjar was one of India’s most-wanted terrorists who carried a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head and was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen outside a gurdwara in Surrey in the western Canadian province of British Columbia on June 18 .
Kirby said that President Joe Biden was “mindful” of these serious allegations, and that the US supported Canada’s efforts to investigate this 1. He also encouraged India to cooperate with the investigation so that the facts could be revealed and appropriate actions could be taken 1.
India has denied any involvement in the killing and accused Canada of making “unsubstantiated” and “baseless” allegations 4. India’s foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Tuesday that India had sought “concrete evidence” from Canada to back up its claims, but had not received any response .
The diplomatic row between Canada and India has put their allies, such as Australia and the US, in a difficult position. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Tuesday that the suggestion India was involved in a killing on Canadian soil was “concerning” and that Australia had raised its concerns with India . She also said that Australia respected the sovereignty and the rule of law of both countries .
Experts have said that the allegations could have serious implications for the bilateral relations between Canada and India, as well as for the regional security and stability in South Asia . They have also called for a swift and credible investigation to resolve the matter and prevent further escalation.es, and again we want to see the investigation be able to proceed unhindered and let the facts take it where it may,” Kirby added.
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