US denies reports of expelling Indian diplomats amid India-Canada tensions

In a press briefing on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller refuted claims of any US action against Indian diplomats. 

In Short

• US State Department refutes claims of any action against Indian diplomats
• Speculation comes amid strain in India-Canada ties over Nijjar murder probe
• US addresses Vikash Yadav case, says it expects accountability from India

The US State Department has dismissed recent reports suggesting that Washington is considering expelling Indian diplomats in response to the growing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. The rumours circulated following Canada’s naming of India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, and several other Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in its investigation into the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller refuted claims of any action against Indian diplomats.

"I am not familiar with this report that we expelled Indian diplomats... I'm not aware of any such expulsion," Miller stated, clarifying the US's stance amid the speculation.

Earlier this month, India withdrew six of its diplomats from Canada in response to being labelled as “persons of interest” by Canadian authorities. The diplomatic fallout has since intensified, with India reciprocating by expelling six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi.

These developments have further strained ties between Ottawa and New Delhi.

US ON VIKASH YADAV CASE

In a separate response, the US State Department also addressed questions on the case of Vikash Yadav, a former R&AW official who was recently named by US authorities in a plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.

When asked about Yadav's potential extradition, Miller clarified that extradition decisions fall under the US Department of Justice (DOJ).

“I would refer you to the Justice Department on that when it comes to extradition. That’s a legal matter that we defer to DOJ,” he stated, noting that the US has maintained open discussions with the Indian government on this issue.

Miller disclosed that an Indian delegation had visited the US two weeks ago to discuss their investigation's progress, adding that Washington expects “real accountability”.

The FBI recently listed Yadav as “wanted” in connection to the foiled assassination plot.

The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that Yadav, named in the indictment, no longer holds any official position within the Indian government.