Washington - The White House has confirmed that it has been in communication with India regarding Canada's accusations of potential Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, as per a statement on Friday (local time).

During a press conference, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the United States maintains regular contact with both the governments of India and Canada concerning this matter.

A diplomatic dispute between India and Canada emerged when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged on Monday that Canadian intelligence agencies were investigating a "potential link" between "agents of the Indian government" and Nijjar's killing.

In response, New Delhi categorically rejected these claims as "absurd" and "motivated" and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a retaliatory move following Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official related to the case.

Jean-Pierre told reporters, "We have engaged with the Indian government. But certainly, we're not going to get into our private diplomatic conversations. But, yes, there have been conversations with our partners in the Indian government." She added, "Obviously, we are deeply concerned... what the Prime Minister (of Canada) has referenced here. And so, we remain in regular contact with the Canadian... government and the Canadian partners."

When pressed further about the nature of diplomatic discussions between the US and India, Jean-Pierre declined to provide specific details.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a high-profile Indian fugitive with a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head, was fatally shot by two unidentified assailants outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on June 18.

In response to escalating tensions, India advised all its nationals living in Canada and those considering travel there to exercise "utmost caution" due to increasing anti-India activities, "politically-condoned" hate crimes, and "criminal violence" in the North American nation. New Delhi also announced the suspension of visa services for Canadians.

Additionally, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized that Washington would not grant any country, including India, special exemptions in such matters. He asserted that the US would stand up for its basic principles regardless of the country involved and would closely consult with allies like Canada in their law enforcement and diplomatic processes.

Furthermore, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called upon India to cooperate with Canada and ensure "accountability" in the case of Nijjar's killing. Blinken emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation and urged India to assist in the ongoing inquiry.