US, Its Allies Declined Canada's Request For Public Condemnation Of India On Terrorist Nijjar's Killing: Report

Canadian officials, weeks before they made controversial allegations implicating Indian officials in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, sought public condemnation of the murder from their allies, including the United States.

However, according to a report from The Washington Post they were met with reluctance.

This highlights the diplomatic challenges faced by the Joe Biden administration and its allies as they navigate relations with India, a crucial player in the region, as noted in the report.

The alleged assassination of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, on 18 June, sparked behind-the-scenes discussions among senior officials from the 'Five Eyes' countries in the weeks leading up to the September Group of 20 summit in New Delhi.

The announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Parliament about "credible allegations" caused a significant rupture in bilateral relations with India. As a result, an Indian diplomat was expelled from Ottawa.

On Monday, Trudeau stated, "Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar."

New Delhi has dismissed Canada's accusations of Indian agents being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the leader of the Khalistan Tiger Force and a designated 'terrorist'.

In response to the expulsion of an Indian diplomat by the Trudeau administration, New Delhi has ordered a Canadian envoy, suspected of spying in India, to leave within five days.

While Trudeau has stated that Canada has no intention of provoking or escalating the situation, India has rejected the allegations as "absurd and motivated", highlighting the presence of Khalistani terrorists and extremists in Canada.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement stating that the Canadian Prime Minister's remarks in Parliament, as well as the statement from their Foreign Minister, are rejected. The MEA considers the allegations of India's involvement in any acts of violence in Canada to be baseless and driven by ulterior motives.

Nijjar was labelled a terrorist by security agencies in 2020 and was accused of supporting attacks in Punjab.

In 2022, India sought his extradition and connected him to the killing of a Hindu priest in Punjab that same year.

India has been pressuring countries like Canada, Australia, Britain, and the United States to crack down on the Khalistan movement, as stated in the report.

The Indian government has faced tension due to pro-Khalistan protests in London and San Francisco, where significant Sikh communities reside.

Michael Kugelman, a South Asia analyst, highlighted the dilemma faced by Western governments. They recognise Canada as an ally, but also value their relationship with India as a crucial strategic partner.

During the G20 Summit in India, tensions arose as The Washington Post reported that Trudeau was sidelined and denied formal bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Additionally, the Khalistan issue was discussed on the summit's sidelines, further straining relations.

According to The Washington Post, Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stated that Trudeau had raised the allegations with President Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The topic is expected to be discussed at the UN General Assembly, highlighting its significance.