Amid escalating tensions between India and Canada, the US State Department has stepped in to clarify the situation, firmly rejecting claims that Indian diplomats have been expelled from the United States.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, during a press briefing, stated, “I am not familiar with this report that we expelled Indian diplomats… I’m not aware of any expulsion.”
This clarification comes in the wake of India recalling six diplomats from Canada. They were designated as “persons of interest” by the Canadian government in connection with the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which has strained relations between the two nations.
In addition to addressing the diplomatic situation, Miller also addressed questions regarding Vikash Yadav, a former Indian government employee linked to a foiled assassination plot against pro-Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He emphasised that extradition decisions are the purview of the US Justice Department. He also noted that the United States has maintained an ongoing dialogue with the Indian government regarding these sensitive matters.
“We have been in dialogue with the Government of India about this matter,” Miller stated, revealing that a recent Indian delegation briefed US officials on the status of their investigations. The US, in turn, provided updates on its own investigations. “Of course, they sent a delegation here two weeks ago to directly brief US Government officials on the status of their investigation, and we briefed them on the status of our investigation, and we made clear in that meeting what we will continue to make clear: that it is important there be real accountability,” he addeed.
The diplomatic spat between India and Canada has garnered global attention, particularly after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in Nijjar’s murder. The Indian government has vehemently denied any involvement.
