New Delhi – In a concerning development, Eric Garcetti, the United States Ambassador to India, has cautioned that the relationship between India and the United States “may face a temporary downturn” due to the ongoing diplomatic conflict between India and Canada. The dispute stems from Canada’s allegations of potential involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
According to an undisclosed State Department official, Ambassador Garcetti also suggested that “the US might need to curtail its interactions with Indian officials for an unspecified duration.”
The United States has described Canada’s allegations as “serious” and has called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter. It has engaged in discussions with New Delhi, urging active participation in the probe.
When queried about the reported conversation between Ambassador Garcetti and his team, an anonymous State Department spokesperson responded, “We have no comment on this matter.”
The spokesperson emphasized Ambassador Garcetti’s dedication to the robust partnership between the United States and India, characterizing it as a significant, strategic, and consequential alliance.
Tensions between India and Canada have been escalating over recent months, with New Delhi expressing concerns about increased activities and threats from pro-Khalistani elements within Canada.
The situation reached a breaking point after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations against India in the Canadian parliament. India has vehemently dismissed these allegations as “baseless” and “motivated,” resulting in the expulsion of a senior Canadian diplomat in retaliation after Ottawa took a similar action against an Indian official.
On September 21, India requested Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country, marking a historic low in bilateral relations. India also temporarily suspended visa issuance to Canadian citizens.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was fatally shot by two masked assailants on June 18 in British Columbia, and India had designated him as a terrorist in 2020.
