In a significant diplomatic engagement, the External Affairs Minister of India, S Jaishankar, held talks with his American counterpart, Antony Blinken, in Washington. The discussions encompassed a wide spectrum of subjects, although conspicuously absent from the discourse was the recent contention revolving around Canada’s allegations regarding India’s purported involvement in the assassination of a Khalistani terrorist.
The victim in question, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, met his untimely demise outside a gurudwara in Surrey, British Columbia, this past June. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has consistently insinuated that Indian government operatives may have played a role in this tragic incident.
It is noteworthy that India has steadfastly refuted these allegations, categorizing them as “baseless.” Minister Jaishankar has extended assurances to Canada, expressing India’s willingness to investigate the matter further, provided that specific information concerning Nijjar’s demise is furnished.
Surprisingly, this contentious issue did not find its way into the official discourse during the meeting between Jaishankar and Blinken on Thursday. Instead, the focus was on matters including the significant outcomes of India’s G20 presidency and the establishment of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, as indicated by the US Department of State.
Addressing the media alongside Blinken ahead of the meeting held at the State Department, Jaishankar conveyed his appreciation for the United States’ support during India’s G20 Summit. In response, Blinken expressed satisfaction with their recent discussions and looked forward to further deliberations with his Indian counterpart.
The two dignitaries refrained from taking questions from the media during the press briefing.
At present, Minister Jaishankar is on an official five-day visit to Washington.
Jaishankar also took to social media to share the productive encounter, stating, “Great to meet my friend US Secretary of State @SecBlinken at the State Department today. A wide-ranging discussion, following up on PM @narendramodi’s June visit. Also exchanged notes on global developments. Laid the groundwork for our 2+2 meeting very soon.”
Furthermore, the State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, highlighted the continued significance of cooperation, particularly in the realms of defense, space, and clean energy, in the context of the upcoming 2+2 Dialogue between India and the United States.
Minister Jaishankar disclosed that New Delhi would host the fifth edition of the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, without specifying the precise dates. Nevertheless, it is understood that this pivotal dialogue is scheduled to take place in the early part of November.
Remarkably, the India-Canada dispute concerning the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia earlier this year was not broached during the diplomatic engagement. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has publicly asserted that the Indian government was complicit in Nijjar’s demise on June 18. However, India has vehemently rejected these allegations, deeming them both absurd and politically motivated.
It remains to be seen whether this diplomatic silence signals a potential resolution of this contentious issue or merely marks a strategic omission in the discussions between India and the United States.
