Amidst strained bilateral relations, the US presses for cooperation while respecting India's stance on the matter.

WASHINGTON: The Administration of US President Joe Biden has reiterated its appeal to the Indian government to cooperate with Canada in the ongoing investigation of the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The information was shared by the spokesperson of the US Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Matthew Miller, during a press briefing.

When questioned about India's response to the cooperation appeal, Miller emphasized that it's New Delhi's prerogative to answer. Bilateral relations between India and Canada have been tense since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insinuated the possible involvement of Indian agents in the killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia back in June.

India strongly rejected these accusations, labeling them as 'absurd' and 'baseless.' In response to Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official in connection with the case, India reciprocated by expelling a Canadian ambassador from its country. The matter was also discussed during a meeting between US Foreign Minister Tony Blinken and India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar last week.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Matthew Miller reaffirmed the US stance on the issue, stating, "They made it clear then, and I am repeating it now, that we are with Canada on this matter. We are coordinating closely with our colleagues." Miller further highlighted that the US administration has consistently urged the Government of India to cooperate with Canada in the investigation.

When pressed about whether India had agreed to cooperate with Canada, Miller emphasized that the Indian government should provide its stance on the matter. He stated, "I want the Indian government to have its own say on this. I will speak on behalf of the US government and I appeal for cooperation."