The importance of resolving the case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killers and preventing further strain in the relationship between Canada and India has been emphasized by America’s top diplomat. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed this message during his meeting with India’s external affairs minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in Washington, D.C.
Canada and India have experienced heightened tensions since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed concerns about possible links between Nijjar’s death and the Indian government. Blinken addressed these allegations during a news conference, stating, “Those responsible need to be held accountable, and we hope that our friends in both Canada and India will work together to resolve this matter.”
Blinken revealed that the U.S. has been in close communication with both countries regarding the allegations ever since Trudeau made them public. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between India and Canada in conducting a thorough investigation. This perspective was reiterated in his meeting with Foreign Minister Jaishankar.
A State Department readout of the meeting did not mention the controversy, which is expected given the delicate nature of diplomacy in such circumstances. However, it is worth noting that the Biden administration has provided support to Trudeau through David Cohen, the U.S. envoy to Canada. Cohen confirmed that Canada’s allegations were substantiated with intelligence from the Five Eyes security alliance, which includes the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.
Gary Doer, a former Canadian envoy to the U.S., highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong economic and diplomatic relationship with India for both Canada and the U.S. He stated, “It’s not one versus the other. I think we benefit both ways. And so do they.”
© 2023 The Canadian Press
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
