Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Thursday during his ongoing visit to the US.
While there were speculations that the two sides would discuss the rising India-Canada tensions following Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s accusations of Indian authorities being involved in the murder of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June, no mention of the issue was made in the government readout following the meeting.
Overview
Despite no official mention of the plummeting India-Canada ties in the formal statement of the US State Department, a US official said that Blinken raised the issue during the meeting with the Indian EAM in private.
He said Blinken urged the Indian government to cooperate with a Canadian investigation into the murder of the Sikh separatist.
Great to meet my friend US Secretary of State @SecBlinken at State Department today.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 28, 2023
A wide ranging discussion, following up on PM @narendramodi’s June visit. Also exchanged notes on global developments.
Laid the groundwork of our 2+2 meeting very soon. pic.twitter.com/mOw9SIX1dO
Earlier on Thursday morning, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said he was certain about Blinken raising the issue with Jaishankar.
The official readout mentioned that the two sides discussed key outcomes of India’s G20 presidency and the creation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) announced on the sidelines of the G20.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the potential of the IMEC to generate transparent, sustainable, and high-standard infrastructure investments.
They also emphasised the “continued importance of cooperation ahead of the upcoming 2+2 Dialogue, particularly in defence, space, and clean energy.”
The “2+2” dialogue is a format for meetings between the US and Indian foreign and defence ministers.
US Stance on India-Canada Row
The lack of an official mention of the issue during the meeting and also during the Quad meet-up on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly has raised brows.
The passive engagement of the US is being perceived as an attempt by the US to balance between India and Canada and avoid upsetting India, a key US ally in the Indo-Pacific in the face of a rising China.
However, the US has urged India to cooperate with Canada without fully supporting Trudeau’s allegations. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had said earlier that no special exemptions would be made in a matter of this kind; whereas, Blinken mentioned that the US is deeply concerned about the Canadian PM’s allegations.
Additionally, while highlighting the importance of building closer ties with India, Trudeau has asserted that Canada has American support in speaking to the Indian government.
Nonetheless, the Canadian PM has refused to make the evidence concerning the allegations public. Meanwhile, India has denied the allegations levelled by Canada, calling them motivated and baseless.
Jaishankar Meets US NSA, Trade Representative
In his first bilateral meeting after arriving in Washington, Jaishankar met US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Thursday morning.
The two dignitaries recognised the tremendous progress made by India and the US in their bilateral ties this year.
Good to see US Trade Representative @AmbassadorTai.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 28, 2023
Spoke about our expanding trade and economic relationship and its broader significance. pic.twitter.com/T6sj3tIpCo
They held discussions to take the relationship between the two countries forward.
Jaishankar also met US Trade Representative Katherine Tai and discussed the expansion of the trade and economic partnership between the two countries.
Additionally, the EAM met representatives from the think-tank community in Washington during his visit.
Prior to arriving in Washington, Jaishankar was in New York to attend the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.