India-US Relations 'Could Get Worse': US Ambassador Eric Garcetti Amid India-Canada Dispute On Khalistan Issue

United States Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, has reportedly cautioned that relations between India and the United States "could get worse for a time" in the wake of New Delhi's diplomatic discord with Canada, according to a report in India Today.

Furthermore, an unnamed state department official disclosed that Ambassador Garcetti discussed the possibility of reducing interactions with Indian officials for an unspecified duration.

The United States (US) government has acknowledged the gravity of Canada's allegations implicating Indian government agents in the killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.

Consequently, it has called for a thorough investigation and has urged New Delhi to actively cooperate in the probe.

In response to inquiries about the reported conversation between the US envoy and his team, a state department spokesperson, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that they did not have any information to share on the matter.

The spokesperson underscored Ambassador Garcetti's role as a strong advocate for the partnership between the Indian people and government.

Recent months have witnessed tension between India and Canada due to concerns raised by New Delhi regarding increased activities and threats from pro-Khalistani elements in Canada.

The situation escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations against India in the Canadian parliament.

India firmly rejected these allegations, deeming them baseless and driven by ulterior motives. India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in response to Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official.

Following Ottawa's accusations against New Delhi, India-Canada relations hit an unprecedented low, prompting India to request a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence in the country.

In response to the deteriorating relationship, India temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens, a decision announced concurrently with the request for Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence.