India-Canada face-off puts US in dilemma

The ongoing face-off between India and Canada over latter’s allegations that there was credible evidence to believe that Indian agents were behind the assassination of pro-Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June this year has not only caused a diplomatic storm but also put the USA in a dilemma.

Although the USA, who was a member of the ‘Five Eyes’ (a group comprising US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand, who share intelligence inputs among each other), has not so far publicly condemned India, as Canada wanted, over the allegations, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken did say that the US was "deeply concerned" about the allegations raised by Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau against India and that Washington was "closely coordinating" with Ottawa on the issue and wants to see "accountability" in the case.

Speaking at a press conference in New York on Friday, Blinken said the US has engaged directly with the Indian government on the issue and the most productive thing would be the completion of this investigation.

"We have been consulting throughout very closely with our Canadian colleagues - and not just consulting, coordinating with them - on this issue. And from our perspective, it is critical that the Canadian investigation proceed, and it would be important that India work with the Canadians on this investigation. We want to see accountability, and it's important that the investigation run its course and lead to that result," Blinken said.

Blinken’s diplomatic language, however, failed to hide the fact that US was more inclined toward Canada, its oldest ally. While India would have no problem with that, Blinken’s attempt to side with Canada on the issue, which was very sensitive for India, could certainly invite criticism in India and US was aware of the same.

Some experts have said that the Biden administration will likely try to stay out of the diplomatic dispute between Canada and India as much it can, aiming not to disrupt the progress it's made in its relationship with PM Narendra Modi's government.