U.S. officials have chosen not to condemn India following Canada’s explosive allegations that Indian agents were involved in violent crimes on Canadian soil, including murder, coercion, and extortion.
On Monday, Ottawa expelled six Indian diplomats after the RCMP presented credible evidence linking them to illegal activities targeting Canadian citizens, including the June 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C.
During a press conference on Tuesday, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller refrained from criticizing India’s response to these allegations or its decision to expel six Canadian diplomats in retaliation. “They are serious allegations, and we have long encouraged India to cooperate with Canada’s investigation. They have chosen an alternate path,” Miller stated, reiterating the U.S.’s ongoing requests for India’s cooperation.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated rapidly, with Canadian authorities insisting they have provided substantial evidence to India, despite India’s refusal to cooperate. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that Canada would not tolerate foreign interference in its sovereignty.
The diplomatic rift is placing significant strain on Canada-India relations, with economic and political implications continuing to unfold.