'I am not familiar....' : US responds to expulsion of Indian diplomats claims following Pannun plot
PTC News Desk: The United States have denied reports of expelling Indian Diplomats amid India and Canada row. During a media briefing, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "The reports are completely baseless and that I am not familiar with this report that we expelled Indian diplomats...I'm not aware of any expulsion."
The development comes after India recalled Indian diplomats from Canada following its remarks designating Indian officials as "persons of interest" in connection with the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The US also responded to queries regarding Vikash Yadav, a former Indian government employee, and his alleged role in a foiled plot to assassinate pro-Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
On Vikas Yadav's possible extradition, Miller said that the State department has nothing to do with the extradition and it falls under Justice department Jurisdiction. Miller also confirmed the ongoing dialogue between both the nations citing Indian delegation's visit to Washington for a briefing exchange on the investigation’s progress.
“We have been in dialogue with the Government of India about this matter. Of course, 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, and we made clear in that meeting what we will continue to make clear: that it is important there be real accountability,” Miller said.
- With inputs from agencies
