Don't want to get into hypotheticals: US on India-Canada diplomatic row

The recent India-Canada diplomatic crisis has garnered international attention, with India issuing a deadline for Canada to withdraw some of its diplomats from the country.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his government's commitment to assisting Canadians in India.

Amidthe escalating tension, the United States has taken a cautious approach, refraining from direct involvement in the dispute.

USstate department's position

The US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel acknowledged the ongoing standoff over diplomatic staff levels between India and Canada.

However, Patel emphasised that the USdoes not wish to intervene prematurely or engage in hypothetical scenarios.

Instead, he said the USremains committed to its Indo-Pacific strategy and continues to focus on regional matters.

The USclarified its stance on the crisis, which stemmed from allegations by Trudeau that Indian government agents wereinvolved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

Prior to a meeting between India's External Affairs Minister SJaishankar and USSecretary of State Antony Blinken, the USexpressed its support for an investigation into Canada's allegations.

It urged India to cooperate with the investigation. India countered by insisting that the allegations were baseless and that Canada had not provided specific information in support of the claims. Canada, however, maintained that it had shared information with India several weeks prior.

The US dilemma

The India-Canada diplomatic crisis poses a challenge for the United States due to its interests in both countries. The UShas refrained from taking sides, acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations while urging India to actively participate in the investigation.

John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, underscored that the issue had been discussed between Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Kirby emphasised that the USwould leave it to India and Canada to resolve issues in their bilateral relationship. He reiterated the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation, urging India's active participation.

Initially, India accused Canadian diplomats of interference in its internal affairs and highlighted that Canada had more diplomats in India than India had in Canada. India subsequently requested the removal of 41 out of the 62 Canadian diplomats by October 10, according to reports.

Also watch |India-Canada row: Canada tones down on Nijjar killing row | WION

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stressedongoing cooperation and dialogue with India regarding the withdrawal of diplomats. She stressed the importance of maintaining a strong diplomatic presence in India during moments of tension. Canada seeks private talks with India to address the crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

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