In a significant development that has strained diplomatic relations and jeopardized trade talks, the United States has weighed in on the ongoing investigation into the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Nijjar in Canada.

A senior official from the U.S. State Department has urged India to cooperate fully with the probe, signaling deep concern over allegations of Indian government involvement in the assassination.

The United States' involvement in the matter comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly acknowledged the active pursuit of credible allegations linking agents from New Delhi to the murder of Hardeep Nijjar. India has swiftly dismissed these allegations as absurd, setting the stage for a heated diplomatic dispute.

At a news briefing, the senior State Department official emphasised the importance of a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the incident. "We have been in close contact with our Canadian colleagues about this. We're quite concerned about the allegations. We think it's important there is a full and open investigation, and we would urge the Indian Government to cooperate with that investigation," the official stated.

This development further exacerbates the already frayed diplomatic ties between India and Canada, with New Delhi expressing dissatisfaction over Sikh separatist activities within Canadian borders. The situation has now cast a shadow over trade relations, with discussions on a proposed trade deal frozen in the wake of the escalating tensions.

As a consequence of this diplomatic spat, both nations have engaged in tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions. Canada expelled India's top intelligence officer stationed in the country, while New Delhi responded by issuing a five-day ultimatum for a Canadian diplomat to leave India.

The unfolding situation continues to draw international attention, with many observers closely monitoring the next steps in this complex and contentious diplomatic dispute.