NEW DELHI: The US state department has denied reports that the United States is considering expelling Indian diplomats amid heightened tensions between India and Canada.
State department spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the issue on Tuesday, stating, “I am not familiar with this report that we expelled Indian diplomats. I’m not aware of any expulsion.”
Earlier this month, India recalled six diplomats from Canada after they were declared ‘persons of interest’ in the investigation of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar‘s killing.
The US also responded to the case involving Vikash Yadav, a former Indian government employee, who is allegedly linked to a foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
When asked about Yadav’s potential extradition, Miller explained that this matter is under the jurisdiction of the US justice department (DOJ). He said, “I would refer you to the Justice Department on that when it comes to extradition. That’s a legal matter that we differ from DOJ.” He also indicated that the US has been in discussions with India regarding this issue.
India recently sent a delegation to the US to update officials on their investigation into Yadav. Miller said, “We made it clear that at that meeting, there will be real accountability.”
On October 18, the FBI released a poster naming Yadav in connection with his alleged role in the plot against Pannun. The ministry of external affairs confirmed that Yadav is no longer an employee of the Indian government.