US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, has reportedly indicated concerns about a potential deterioration in India-US relations due to the ongoing diplomatic dispute between India and Canada following the killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The concerns arose from a conversation between Ambassador Garcetti and his team in India, as reported by Politico. An unnamed State Department official mentioned that Ambassador Garcetti suggested that relations between the US and India "could get worse for a time" and that there might be a need to reduce contacts with Indian officials for an unspecified duration.
However, the US embassy dismissed these reports, emphasizing that Ambassador Garcetti is actively working to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India. They pointed to his extensive personal engagement and public schedule as evidence of ongoing efforts to enhance the strategic relationship between the two countries.
The diplomatic tension between India and Canada has escalated due to allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the Canadian parliament, implicating Indian government agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The US has regarded these allegations as "serious" and has called for a comprehensive investigation. It has also urged India to actively participate in the probe.
Notably, India has expressed concerns about increased activities and threats posed by pro-Khalistani elements in Canada. This diplomatic dispute has led to various actions, including the expulsion of diplomats and downsizing of diplomatic presences, and has prompted India to temporarily suspend visa issuance for Canadian citizens.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India in 2020, was fatally shot by two masked gunmen in British Columbia on June 18.
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