Nijjar Canada's attempt to seek public condemnation of killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar met with reluctance from allies
Canada's attempt to seek public condemnation of the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar from its allies, including the US, was met with reluctance, media reports said, an episode which took place weeks before PM Justin Trudeau alleged India's connection in the issue.
The same highlights the diplomatic challenges faced by the Biden administration and its allies as they try to navigate relations with India, a crucial player in the region, ANI reported quoting The Washington Post.
The alleged assassination of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, on June 18, led to behind-the-scenes discussions among senior officials from the Five Eyes countries in the weeks leading up to the September Group of 20 summit in New Delhi.
However, no public mention was made before the summit, which was seen as an important event for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to The Washington Post as quoted by ANI.
Meanwhile, Indian officials said nine separatist organisations, which support terror groups, have their bases in Canada and despite multiple deportation requests Ottawa has taken no action against those involved in heinous crimes.
Pro-Khalistani outfits such as the World Sikh Organization (WSO), Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), working at the behest of Pakistan, have been allegedly operating freely from the Canadian soil, they told PTI news agency.
The Canadian PM had earlier alleged the involvement of "agents of the Indian government" in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which took place in June.
It had raised eyebrows and the US had said it was "deeply concerned" about the allegations.
During a speech to the House of Commons, Justin Trudeau Monday said the Canadian security agencies have been "actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar".
India, meanwhile, has rejected Trudeau's claims stating that: "Allegations of the Government of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated."
"Similar allegations were made by the Canadian Prime Minister to our Prime Minister, and were completely rejected," the Indian foreign ministry has said.
The matter escalated so much so that over the last two days, Canada and India expelled each other's senior diplomats. On Monday, the unnamed Canadian diplomat was asked to leave India within five days.
The escalation comes shortly after the issue was discussed between Trudeau and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the recently held G20 in India.
During the G20 talks, PM Modi had reportedly conveyed that extremist elements in Canada are "promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats… threatening the Indian community and their places of worship".
Trudeau had then assured him that Canada would always "defend freedom of expression... conscience and peaceful protest." But it will also prevent violence and push back against hatred, he had told reporters.
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