US is in touch with Indians at high levels after Ottawa said the Indian
Government agents had links to the murder of a Khalistani terrorist in Canada,
and Washington is giving no “special exemption” in the matter, said US national
security adviser Jake Sullivan.
United States has been seeking to strengthen its relationship with Bharat.
President Joe Biden hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a State
visit at the White House earlier this year.
Asked whether US concern over the incident could disrupt that
process, Sullivan said United States would stand up for its principles,
regardless of what country is affected.
“It is a matter of concern for us. It is something we take
seriously. It is something we will keep working on, and we will do that
regardless of the country,” remarked Sullivan.
“There’s not some special exemption you get for actions like this.
Regardless of the country, we will stand up and defend our basic principles and
we will also consult closely with allies like Canada as they pursue their law
enforcement and diplomatic process.”
Canada said it was “actively pursuing credible allegations” linking
the Indian Government agents to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, outside
a Sikh temple in June.
Sullivan noted United States was in touch with both countries about
the topic.
“We are in constant contact with our Canadian counterparts … and
we have also been in touch with the Indian government,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan said he disagreed with reports suggesting there was
distance between Canada and United States on the issue.
“I firmly reject the idea that there is a wedge between US and
Canada. We have deep concerns about the allegations and we would like to see
this investigation carried forward and the perpetrators held to account,” he
said.
Reuters
