In the midst of India’s firm stance, compelling Canada to withdraw a substantial number of its diplomats from Indian soil, the United States has chosen to tread carefully, preferring not to immerse itself in the ongoing diplomatic conundrum. The US State Department’s deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations against India but remained reticent, stating, “I’ve come across reports regarding the diplomatic staffing levels concerning the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi. Nevertheless, I am not in a position to divulge further details or indulge in conjecture. We shall proceed step by step. Concerning our unwavering commitment to our Indo-Pacific strategy, that pursuit remains steadfast.”
The India-Canada diplomatic discourse, sparked by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations regarding India’s involvement in the demise of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar within Canadian borders, has placed the United States in a delicate position due to its vested interests in both nations.
John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, emphasized that this matter had been discussed between India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Kirby asserted, “We shall indeed leave the resolution of this issue to the bilateral discussions between these two nations. It is unequivocal that these allegations demand a comprehensive investigation. As we have consistently articulated, we urge India’s active participation in this investigative process.”
In the initial stages of this diplomatic imbroglio, India’s Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the significant presence of Canadian diplomats within Indian territory, surpassing the number of Indian diplomats stationed in Canada. The ministry alleged unwarranted interference by Canadian diplomats in India’s internal affairs. It has now come to light that India has formally requested the removal of 41 out of the 62 Canadian diplomats by the looming deadline of October 10.
Trudeau reiterated his government’s intention to provide on-ground assistance to Canadian citizens in India, underscoring that Canada does not seek to provoke India. Meanwhile, India has taken the measure of suspending visa services in Canada and has accused Canada of harboring individuals with alleged terrorist ties, despite prior notifications.
The ongoing India-Canada diplomatic conundrum, while delicate, remains a focal point of international attention, and its resolution remains uncertain.
