U.S.-India relations strained over diplomatic row between India and Canada

According to the U.S. newspaper Politico, Garcetti has suggested limiting contacts with Indian officials indefinitely

WASHINGTON – U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has reportedly expressed concern about a possible deterioration of relations with India due to ongoing diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Canada.

According to the U.S. newspaper Politico, Garcetti has suggested limiting contacts with Indian officials indefinitely.

However, the U.S. Embassy in India rejected these claims, stressing that both Garcetti and the U.S. Mission to India are working tirelessly to deepen relations between the two countries.

At the root of the tension between India and Canada are allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing India of being involved in the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India has strongly denied these allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated”

As a result of these allegations, diplomatic relations have deteriorated, leading to the expulsion of diplomats from both countries.

In addition, India has temporarily halted the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and called on Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence in India.

Senior U.S. officials have urged India and Canada to resolve their differences bilaterally.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar recently held talks on the matter.

India also asked Canada to send back 41 of its envoys by Oct. 10.

A State Department spokesman, when asked, clarified that the U.S. relationship with India is “an important, strategic and consequential partnership.”