The United States has issued a stern call to India, urging New Delhi to take the allegations of an assassination plot by Canada seriously. This escalating situation has further strained relations between the two US partners, casting a shadow on their otherwise close ties.
The incident centers around the alleged assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an advocate for an independent Sikh state, who was killed outside a Sikh temple last year. Canada has accused India of involvement in the plot, citing evidence beyond what was previously known, leading to the expulsion of both countries’ ambassadors.
Adding further fuel to the fire, the United States has also alleged a similar assassination plot on US soil, though it has handled the matter more discreetly. Despite the quieter approach, the US has expressed concern over India’s response, calling for cooperation in the investigation.
In a show of seriousness, India has sent an Enquiry Committee to Washington to discuss the US allegations. The Committee is looking into the matter, and the State Department has confirmed that India is investigating other linkages of the former government employee involved.
The United States’ position on this matter is particularly significant given its long-standing strategic partnership with India. Despite concerns from human rights groups about India’s democratic space under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Washington has been courting New Delhi for over two decades, viewing it as a vital ally in the face of a rising China.
However, the recent developments involving the alleged assassination plots have exposed a widening chasm between the two nations. The US’s public call for cooperation from India highlights the gravity of the situation and could potentially lead to further diplomatic friction unless the matter is resolved amicably.
This incident underscores the delicate balance that the US must strike in its relationship with India, weighing the importance of a strategic partnership with concerns about human rights and democratic principles. It remains to be seen how this evolving situation will ultimately shape US-India relations in the long run.
