After US, UK Calls for India’s Cooperation in Canada’s Investigation into Alleged Government Involvement in Violent Crime

The British government has urged India to cooperate with Canada in its investigation into allegations that Indian agents were involved in a series of violent crimes on Canadian soil. This call for action comes after growing tensions between the two countries, as the investigation into these serious accusations deepens.

On Monday, Canada took a bold step by expelling six Indian diplomats, following claims from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that they had credible evidence linking Indian officials to incidents of extortion, coercion, and even murder involving Canadian citizens. This diplomatic move has escalated tensions between the two nations, putting pressure on India to respond.

In a recent statement, the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) expressed its concern over these “serious developments” and confirmed its close communication with Canada on the matter. The office stated that India’s cooperation with Canada’s legal investigation is “the right next step.” While the British government has not directly commented on the specifics of the claims, this diplomatic push underscores the gravity of the situation.

The United States has also weighed in on the issue. During a press conference on Tuesday, a U.S. State Department spokesperson reiterated the long-standing request for India to cooperate with Canadian authorities. However, the spokesperson refrained from commenting on the specifics of the new allegations, focusing instead on the importance of transparency and justice.

These developments stem from a high-profile case involving the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and prominent Sikh leader, who was gunned down in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly revealed in September that Canadian intelligence agencies were investigating a potential connection between the Indian government and Nijjar’s killing. The possibility that a foreign government could be involved in such a crime has raised alarms not only in Canada but among its international allies as well.