Washington Stands Firm on Principles, Rejects Special Exemptions for Any Nation
Washington, D.C. :– In a significant development, the United States has thrown its weight behind Canada’s ongoing investigation into allegations of India’s involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized that no country should receive special exemptions for such activities, reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to defending its core principles.
The incident, which took place on June 18, saw the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) shot dead by two unidentified gunmen outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly alleged the involvement of “agents of the Indian government” in the killing, a claim that New Delhi promptly dismissed as “absurd” and “motivated.”
“As soon as we heard from the Canadian Prime Minister publicly about the allegations, we went out publicly ourselves and expressed our deep concern about them, our support for a law enforcement process to get to the bottom of exactly what happened, and to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable,” said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan during a White House news conference.
Sullivan highlighted that the U.S. has been and will continue to be in contact with both Canada and India on this issue, emphasizing that regardless of the country involved, there should be no special exemptions for actions like this. “We will stand up and defend our basic principles,” he asserted.
Amid concerns of a potential rift between the U.S. and Canada, Sullivan firmly rejected such notions, stating, “We have deep concerns about the allegations, and we would like to see this investigation carried forward and the perpetrators held to account. That is what the U.S. has stood for from the moment this emerged in public, and we will continue to stand for that until this fully plays its way out.”
However, Sullivan declined to comment on the evidence supporting Canadian allegations and refrained from speculating on a potential visit by President Joe Biden to India in January.
Tensions between India and Canada have escalated over the killing of Nijjar, with India calling on Canada to take strong action against terrorists and anti-India elements operating from its soil. India also suspended visa services for Canadians and urged Canada to downsize its diplomatic staff in the country, citing the need for parity in diplomatic presence.
As Canada’s investigation unfolds, the international community closely watches the developments surrounding this high-profile case that has strained relations between nations.
