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US President Joe Biden and other Western leaders expressed concern to Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, about Canadian claims that New Delhi was involved in the murder of a Sikh separatist in Canada when they met the Indian leader at the G20 this month.
Three individuals familiar with the discussions at the G20 summit revealed that several members of the Five Eyes—an intelligence-sharing network consisting of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—raised the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar with Modi. One source stated that Biden believed it was crucial to address the issue directly with his Indian counterpart.
The White House declined to comment on whether Biden had raised the issue with Modi at the G20.
The leaders intervened at the G20 summit after Canada urged its allies to raise the case directly with Modi, according to two insiders. They added that Ottawa had requested mentioning the claims privately.
In a surprising move on Monday, Justin Trudeau, Canada’s Prime Minister, stated that there were “credible allegations” that Indian government “agents” were responsible for Nijjar’s murder. Nijjar was killed in June in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver.
The explosive claim, dismissed by New Delhi as “absurd,” severely impacted Canada-India relations. India responded by suspending visa issuance to Canadian citizens and instructing Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country. Additionally, the Canadian foreign ministry announced adjustments to its diplomatic staff levels in India due to concerns about the safety of its diplomats.
The crisis has raised questions about how Canada’s allies handled the case, particularly in light of the Biden administration’s efforts to strengthen relations with India as a counterbalance to China. The US president hosted Modi for a notable state visit over the summer.
US officials vehemently denied allegations that Washington remained silent on the issue to avoid provoking India. The White House stated that it was “deeply concerned” after Trudeau made the claims. An individual familiar with the administration’s perspective explained that Washington refrained from public intervention before the announcement due to potential legal ramifications for the Canadian investigation.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan dismissed suggestions that Washington’s desire to enhance ties with New Delhi would inhibit its ability to voice concerns about the allegations. He affirmed that the administration took the allegations seriously and would defend US principles regardless of the country involved. Sullivan further stated that the US was closely consulting with Canada.
“We are in constant contact with our Canadian counterparts,” stated Sullivan, adding that the US had also been “in touch” with the Indian government.
Adrienne Watson, the White House National Security Council spokesperson, said, “Targeting dissidents in other countries is absolutely unacceptable, and we will continue to take steps to push back on this practice.”
Speaking to reporters in New York during the UN General Assembly, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong revealed that Canberra had expressed its concerns to New Delhi without providing specific details.
On Thursday, Canada’s public broadcaster reported, based on information from government sources, that Canadian intelligence relating to Nijjar’s killing included communications involving Indian officials and diplomats based in Canada.
Trudeau’s office has not yet responded to a request for comment.
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