State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller skillfully sidesteppedinquiries about the United States’ stance on the Khalistan referendum whileunderlining the importance of a comprehensive and impartial investigationinto the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.During a press briefing, when pressed for a response regarding the USposition on the Khalistan referendum organized by Sikhs for Justice, Millerchose his words cautiously, remarking, “Let me revisit that question aswell.”
The same journalist, during a White House press conference, soughtclarification on India’s designation of another Khalistani leader and UScitizen, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, as a terrorist and a most-wantedindividual. Concerns loomed over Pannun’s safety, given fears that he mightbecome the next target of the Indian government, following Nijjar’s tragicassassination. In response, Miller chose not to provide specificcommentary, opting instead to reiterate the Secretary’s recent remarksemphasizing the United States’ concern about transnational repression, apolicy that the US has reiterated on numerous occasions.
Expanding on the topic, Miller delved into the assassination of HardeepSingh Nijjar, which had garnered international attention. Canada’s PrimeMinister, Justin Trudeau, had publicly alleged Indian involvement inNijjar’s killing. This raised profound questions about the tactics employedby the Narendra Modi-led Indian government to suppress dissent even onforeign soil.
The incident cast a spotlight on the complexities of internationalrelations and the delicate balance the United States had to maintain,navigating its relationships with both India and Sikh separatist groups.
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In essence, the State Department’s measured responses revealed the UnitedStates’ cautious approach to sensitive geopolitical issues, where it aimedto uphold its commitment to human rights and civil liberties whilenavigating a complex web of international relations.
The matter of the Khalistan referendum remained a diplomatic tightrope,with the US emphasizing the need for a fair investigation into Nijjar’sassassination and treading carefully to avoid taking a definitive stancethat could upset its relations with India.
