The U.S. State Department has dismissed rumors suggesting that Washington might be expelling Indian diplomats amid recent diplomatic strains involving India and Canada. During a Tuesday press briefing, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller clarified that he was unaware of any such measures, affirming that the U.S. had not taken any steps to expel Indian diplomats.
“I am not familiar with this report that we expelled Indian diplomats…I’m not aware of any expulsion,” Miller stated.
These comments come after India’s recent action to recall six of its diplomats from Canada, who had been labeled as “persons of interest” in an investigation by Canadian authorities. This investigation was initiated after the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani activist who was reportedly linked to secessionist activities in India. This incident has spurred diplomatic tensions between the two nations, and there have been concerns that the diplomatic fallout could have broader implications on international relations, including ties with the United States.
The U.S. State Department also addressed questions regarding Vikash Yadav, a former Indian government employee implicated in an alleged assassination attempt on Khalistani activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The assassination plot, which was reportedly foiled, has drawn international attention and raised questions about Yadav’s potential extradition from the U.S. back to India. Miller refrained from providing specific details on this issue but pointed out that any extradition matter falls within the purview of the U.S. Department of Justice.
“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. But I will tell you that we have been in dialogue with the government of India,” Miller explained.
According to Miller, a delegation from India had recently visited the United States to provide an update on their investigation into Yadav’s alleged role in the plot against Pannun. The U.S., in turn, provided details regarding its own investigation, underscoring its commitment to ensuring accountability.
“They sent a delegation here two weeks ago to directly brief US government officials on the status of their investigation, and we briefed them on the status of our investigation. We made it clear that at that meeting, there will be real accountability,” Miller emphasized.
On October 18, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) took further action by placing Yadav on a wanted list, releasing a poster that identified him as being involved in the failed assassination attempt. The FBI’s move indicates the seriousness of the allegations against Yadav and highlights ongoing security concerns related to transnational plots.
Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that Yadav, who was named in the indictment issued by the U.S. Justice Department in connection with the assassination attempt, is no longer employed by the Indian government. This statement implies a degree of separation between the Indian government and the actions of its former employee, though the matter has continued to generate considerable attention internationally.
As the diplomatic implications of these cases unfold, the U.S. remains clear that its stance towards India is not affected by such developments, and no measures have been taken to expel any Indian diplomats.
