(Washington) There is no “discord” between the United States and Canada over India, a spokesman for Joe Biden assured on Thursday, referring to Ottawa’s allegations against New Delhi.
Posted at 3:31 p.m.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sparked a major diplomatic crisis when he suggested that Indian authorities were involved in the killing of a Sikh leader, also a Canadian citizen, in Canada last June.
“I have seen attempts in the press to sow discord between the United States and Canada on this issue,” said Jake Sullivan, White House national security adviser.
“I strongly reject the idea that there is discord between the United States and Canada,” he added during an exchange with the press, reiterating that Washington was “deeply concerned” about the allegations made by Ottawa.
The Washington Post said in an article that was later corrected that Canada had unsuccessfully called on its allies, particularly the United States, to publicly condemn the killing of the Sikh leader and pointed to New Delhi’s responsibility.
The issue is sensitive for the United States, a neighbor and historic ally of Canada but which, under the leadership of President Joe Biden, has committed to vigorously approaching the Indian government of Narendra Modi.