In the lead-up to a crucial meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, and U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, the United States has reaffirmed its stance regarding the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. The meeting, which follows their recent Quad ministerial engagement, is expected to address the Canada issue, although no official confirmation has been provided by State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller.
“We’ve made clear, we’ve raised this; we have engaged with our Indian counterparts on this and encouraged them to cooperate with the Canadian investigation, and we continue to encourage them to cooperate,” the spokesperson stated.
Here are ten key points outlining the developments in this diplomatic imbroglio:
1. Jaishankar, in his inaugural official statement regarding the India-Canada diplomatic crisis, conveyed India’s unequivocal position that the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada does not reflect government policy.
2. India has requested Canada to share any specific information they may possess, but as of now, no such information has been forthcoming.
3. Jaishankar highlighted the challenges Canada faces, including issues related to secessionist forces, organized crime, violence, and extremism.
4. Addressing the UN General Assembly, Jaishankar called upon UN member states not to let political convenience dictate responses to terrorism and violence, in what was perceived as a veiled criticism of Canada’s approach.
5. Canada’s UN Ambassador, Bob Rae, disclosed a conversation with his Indian counterpart, Ruchira Kamoj, stressing the importance of continued collaboration amid the ongoing crisis.
6. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that evidence of Nijjar’s killing had been shared with India several weeks ago.
7. The United States has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into Canada’s allegations, urging India to cooperate fully.
8. Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, asserted strong indications of foreign government involvement in Nijjar Singh’s killing, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation.
9. Following India’s suspension of visa services in Canada and an advisory for Indian residents in Canada, Canada issued an advisory for its citizens in India to exercise vigilance and caution.
10. In a related development, Gurmeet Singh Toor, another separatist leader, received warnings from Canadian law enforcement regarding threats to his life after Nijjar Singh’s killing, as reported by CBC News.
