The United States Emphasizes the Need for Indian Cooperation with Canada in Murder Investigation
On Friday, the United States reiterated its expectations for the Indian government to collaborate with Canada in the ongoing investigation regarding potential involvement of New Delhi agents in the murder of a Canadian citizen in June.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had earlier revealed that Ottawa possessed credible intelligence linking Indian agents to the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This disclosure triggered a strong reaction from New Delhi, which vehemently denied any involvement.
“We are deeply concerned about the allegations that Prime Minister Trudeau has raised,” stated US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a press briefing. “It is crucial for India to cooperate with Canada in this investigation. We seek accountability.”
While the White House had expressed concerns about the allegations previously, Blinken’s remarks mark the highest-ranking US official’s commentary on the matter to date.
Traditionally close allies of Canada, including the United States, had taken a measured stance earlier in the week. Some political analysts attributed this cautious approach to the view that India serves as a counterbalance to China’s increasing influence in the region.
“We have maintained close consultation and coordination with our Canadian counterparts on this issue,” Blinken added. During a press conference, Trudeau reiterated his call for the Indian government to engage in cooperation.
“We are ready to work collaboratively with India. We hope they will engage with us to address this grave matter,” Trudeau emphasized.
Trudeau also revealed that Canada had conveyed its concerns to New Delhi weeks prior.
“Canada shared the credible allegations I mentioned on Monday with India. We did so several weeks ago,” Trudeau informed reporters.
Reports from CBC News suggested that the Canadian government had amassed both human and signals intelligence during a months-long investigation into the murder of the Sikh separatist leader. The report stated that this intelligence included communications involving Indian officials present in Canada and was provided by an undisclosed ally within the Five Eyes alliance.
The Five Eyes alliance encompasses intelligence-sharing among the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
However, Trudeau has refrained from disclosing specific details about the information collected by Canadian intelligence agencies, and his office has neither confirmed nor denied the CBC report.
Senior Canadian government sources indicated that Trudeau would not have made public statements without a high level of confidence in the intelligence gathered.