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The US on Tuesday (Oct 15) sided with its Five Eyes partner Canada over escalating diplomatic row between Ottawa and New Delhi, accusing India of ‘not cooperating’.

Canada has accused Indian government and its diplomats of being involved in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year, citing an ongoing probe.

New Delhi has rubbished these allegations, saying Canada has failed to provide ‘a shred of evidence’ backing up these ‘absurd’ claims.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, however, appeared to amplify the narrative being peddled by the Justin Trudeau government while talking to reporters Tuesday.
"When it comes to the Canadian matter, we have made clear that the allegations are extremely serious, and they need to be taken seriously.

We wanted to see the government of India cooperate with Canada in its investigation. Obviously, they have not chosen that path," he said.

Earlier on Monday (Oct 14), PM Trudeau alleged the Indian government was “attacking me” personally and the integrity of the government of Canada.

He voiced strong concerns over "clear and compelling evidence" of the involvement of the agents of India in activities threatening public safety.

In a major downturn for already tensed India-Canada ties, New Delhi in response expelled six Canadian diplomats on Monday and withdrew its diplomats from Ottawa.

According to media reports, Canada has shared relevant info regarding the allegations against India with its Five Eyes partners.

“From the beginning, as of last summer, we've worked closely with our Five Eyes partners, particularly with the United States, where they have gone through a similar pattern of behaviour from India in regards to an attempted extrajudicial killing,” Trudeau said in a press conference.

The Five Eyes, often referred to as FVEY, constitutes a coalition of five intelligence agencies: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.