WASHINGTON: The White House has emphasized the seriousness of the Canadian allegations regarding India’s alleged involvement in the killing of a pro-Khalistan leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and has called for a thorough investigation. Nijjar, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), was killed in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, and India had designated him as a terrorist in 2020.
The claims made by Canada were discussed during a meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in the United States. John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, stated that the issue was discussed, but the White House would leave it to the two countries involved to discuss their bilateral relationship.
Kirby reiterated the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation, urging India to actively participate in that investigation.
Vedant Patel, the State Department’s Deputy Spokesperson, emphasized the importance of Canada’s investigation proceeding and the perpetrators being brought to justice. The United States has also urged the Indian government, both publicly and privately, to cooperate with the Canadian investigation efforts.
