Critical That Investigation Proceeds, Says State Dept. Amidst India-Canada Row

WASHINGTON, DC (ANI) – The US on September 25 reiterated that it is deeply concerned by the allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and called for a continued probe in the matter.

While addressing a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, we believe it’s critical that Canada’s investigation proceed and that the perpetrators be brought to justice. And we have publicly and privately urged the Indian Government to cooperate in the Canadian investigation.”

Asked about the India-Canada row, Miller said, “We are deeply concerned by the allegations referenced by Prime Minister Trudeau. We remain in close contact with our Canadian partners, as the Secretary said on Friday.”

Tensions between India and Canada have flared after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India was behind the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has rejected the allegations, calling them “absurd and motivated.” Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was killed in Canada’s Surrey on June 18.

Meanwhile, Congressman Jim Costa called for an investigation into the killing. He posted, “I am very concerned about reports that Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Niijar was assassinated, and I have requested an official briefing as a member of the House Foreign Affairs committee. We must fully investigate this crime to determine who should be held accountable.”

Earlier, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington is “deeply concerned” about the charges of the Indian government being involved in the killing of Nijjar in another democratic country.