US supports Canada’s efforts to investigate India: US security advisor

The United States on Thursday said it supports Canada’s efforts to investigate allegations of India’s involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar (45), chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and one of India’s most wanted terrorists, was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen outside a Gurudwara in Canada on June 18. There was a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on him.

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau on Monday alleged the involvement of ‘agents of the Indian government’ in the murder. India had rejected these allegations terming them as ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated’ (by personal interests). In response to Canada expelling an Indian official over this matter, India also expelled a senior Canadian diplomat.

“As soon as we heard publicly about the allegations from the Canadian prime minister, we ourselves came forward publicly and expressed deep concern,” national security adviser Jack Sullivan told reporters at a White House news conference. “We have our support for the law enforcement process to get to the bottom of what happened and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Responding to a question, Sullivan said, “I’m not going to get into the nitty-gritty of private diplomatic conversations, but we are in constant touch with our Canadian counterparts.” We are consulting closely with them. We support their efforts in this investigation and we are also in touch with the Government of India.

Sullivan ‘categorically’ rejected speculation of differences between the US and Canada on the issue. Such indications were being given in a section of the media. “We are concerned about the allegations and would like to see the investigation move forward and those accused brought to justice,” Sullivan said. America has been maintaining this stance ever since this issue came to light publicly and we will continue to maintain this stance until it is resolved.

Sullivan declined to answer questions about the evidence regarding the Canadian allegations, saying he would not speak on intelligence or law enforcement matters from the forum. “I will let the process play out,” he said. As I said earlier, we are in constant touch with the Canadian government and we will continue to do so.

Sullivan also declined to answer a question on President Joe Biden’s possible visit to India in January. He said, I have nothing to announce today regarding the President’s visit to India in January or at any other time.

Disclaimer: IndiaTheNews has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.

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