“We Will Stand Up And Defend Our Basic Principles”: US On India-Canada Row

Jake Sullivan

The US national security adviser Jake Sullivan stated on Thursday the US is in contact with Indians at the highest levels after Ottawa stated that Indian government agents were involved in the death of a Khalistani terrorist in Canada, and Washington is not providing any special exemption in the situation.

The US has been attempting to deepen its relationship with India. President Joe Biden welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House earlier this year for a state visit.

When asked if the US’s concern about the incident may derail the process, Sullivan said the US would defend its principles regardless of what nation is affected.

At the White House, Sullivan told the media, “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”.

“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”, Sullivan continued.

Canada announced on Monday that it is actively pursuing credible allegations that Indian government agents were involved in the June murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, outside a Sikh shrine.

Sullivan stated that the US was in contact with both countries about the matter.

“We are in constant contact with our Canadian counterparts… and we have also been in touch with the Indian government”, Sullivan continued.

Sullivan denied claims that there was a schism between Canada and the United States on the topic.

Sullivan went on to say, “I firmly reject the idea that there is a wedge between the 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”, Sullivan added.

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Spriha Rai