2+2 Meet: India raises concerns over pro-Khalistani activities in Canada; Blinken urges cooperation in Nijjar murder probe

Anthony Blinken urged India to cooperate with Ottawa’s investigation into the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, even as New Delhi raised concerns about pro-Khalistani activities in Canada.

New Delhi: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday called on India to cooperate with an investigation by Canada into the killing of a Sikh separatist in June, which has sparked a major diplomatic row between New Delhi and Ottawa.

Ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

“We believe it is very important that India works with Canada on its investigation and that they find a way to resolve this disagreement in a cooperative manner,” Blinken said.

“But that really applies if Canada continues its research and India collaborates on it. And that is something that I have discussed with our Indian counterparts, including today,” he said at a media briefing here.

Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin were in Delhi for the fifth edition of the ‘2+2’ dialogue.

“These (India and Canada) are two of our closest friends and partners, and of course we want them to resolve any differences or disputes they may have as friends of both,” the US Secretary of State said.

At a separate media briefing, Foreign Minister Vinay Kwatra said New Delhi has conveyed to the US side its serious concerns over the increasing activities of pro-Khalistani elements in Canada.

“On Canada, we have had very consistent conversations with all our friends and partners. Our position on this issue has been stated and explained in detail on several occasions,” said Kwatra.

“The thrust of our conversations with our partners today is no different than in any other forum – it is essentially that we have fundamental security problems, for example a video recently emerged of Pannun highlighting a very serious security problem for the Indian importance,” Kwatra said.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), recently released a video of himself threatening passengers on Air India flights on November 19, the day of the ICC World Cup final.

“We have made our position very, very clear to our friends and partners. They understand and appreciate that sense of where India comes from,” he said when asked if India’s ties with Canada played a role in the talks.

Days after Trudeau’s allegations, India temporarily suspended issuing visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure equality.

Canada has already withdrawn 41 diplomats and their family members from India. India has resumed some visa services.

In response to a question, Kwatra said the situation in the Middle East played a role in the talks.

“Three topics were discussed regarding regional developments, including developments in the Middle East. Both sides shared their perspectives on their concerns, how they view the situation and various elements of the evolving situation,” he said.

The Foreign Minister said that India’s position on the issue is known, adding that both sides shared their views on their concerns and how they view the situation.

He said certain elements of how both sides view the situation are in common.

“From India’s perspective, we have always stood for a two-state solution and an early resumption of dialogue,” Kwatra said, noting that when hostilities began, India condemned the heinous terror attacks.

“We called for strict compliance with international humanitarian law, de-escalation of the situation and condemned the civilian casualties,” he said.

(Only the headline was reworked by India.com staff. Copy is from a syndicated feed)