India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, is set to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, as diplomatic tensions between India and Canada escalate following the killing of a Khalistani separatist. The meeting, although pre-scheduled, is expected to address this latest diplomatic dispute, which has strained relations between two traditional American allies.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “We’ve raised this; we have engaged with our Indian counterparts on this and encouraged them to cooperate with the Canadian investigation, and we continue to encourage them to cooperate.”
Background: The diplomatic crisis emerged after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that the Indian government was involved in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, aged 45, outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020, and in response, India labeled the allegations as “absurd” and “motivated.” Furthermore, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat action to Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official. India also demanded that Canada take action against terrorists and anti-India elements operating from its soil and suspended visa services for Canadians.
Meeting Agenda: While the meeting between Jaishankar and Blinken was planned before the Canadian crisis, the US has been urging India to cooperate in the Canadian investigation into Nijjar’s killing. The two leaders are expected to engage in discussions, though no questions from the media are expected to be entertained.
Quoting Miller: “The issue did not come up for discussion in New York during the Quad ministerial that involved foreign ministers of the US, India, Japan, and Australia. But we have engaged with our Indian counterparts on this issue and urged them to fully cooperate with the Canadian investigation,” said Miller.
Jaishankar’s Schedule: Jaishankar arrived in Washington, D.C., from New York after participating in the annual General Assembly meetings of the United Nations. In addition to his meeting with Blinken, the external affairs minister is expected to hold discussions with senior officials of the Biden administration. They will review the progress made between the two nations following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic state visit to the US in June. Discussions will also encompass various regional and global issues.
Engaging with the Diaspora and Corporations: The minister’s itinerary includes engagements with the diaspora, the think-tank community, and interactions with leaders from the corporate sector, indicating a comprehensive diplomatic mission during his visit to the United States.
Summary:
- India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss escalating diplomatic tensions with Canada.
- The meeting comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian government involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist, a claim India strongly denies.
- The US has been encouraging India to cooperate with the Canadian investigation, and discussions are expected to address this issue.
- Jaishankar will also engage with senior officials of the Biden administration and discuss regional and global matters.
- Additionally, the minister plans to interact with the diaspora, think tanks, and corporate leaders during his visit to the United States.
