The US embassy in India has refuted the reports concerning Ambassador Eric Garcetti's comments about the potential impact of India's diplomatic dispute with Canada on US-India relations. Instead, the embassy emphasized that Ambassador Garcetti is diligently working to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India, both among the people and governments.
Earlier, Politico had published a report suggesting that Garcetti had conveyed to his team in India that bilateral relations between the US and India might experience a temporary deterioration due to India's ongoing diplomatic discord with Canada.
In an official statement, the US embassy categorically rejected these claims and reaffirmed Ambassador Garcetti's commitment to enhancing the strategic and significant partnership shared between the two nations. The embassy further emphasized that Ambassador Garcetti, along with the US Mission to India, is actively working each day to advance this crucial partnership.
Additionally, the report cited an unnamed State Department official who mentioned that Garcetti had discussed the possibility of reducing official contacts between the US and India for an unspecified period.
The strained relationship between India and Canada has persisted for several months, primarily due to concerns raised by India regarding increased activities and threats posed by pro-Khalistani elements within Canada. Tensions escalated following allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau against India during a session of the Canadian parliament.
India promptly rejected these allegations as unfounded and driven by ulterior motives. In response, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, reciprocating the action taken by Ottawa in expelling an Indian official.
On September 21, India also requested Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country as bilateral relations reached their lowest point. India additionally announced the temporary suspension of visa issuance to Canadian citizens.
It's worth noting that Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India in 2020, was fatally shot by two masked gunmen in British Columbia on June 18.
Â
