US spy agencies reportedly played a significant role in providing information to Canada following the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June, according to a report. The US intelligence agencies offered context that helped Canada conclude that India had been involved in orchestrating the plot. Furthermore, intercepted communications of Indian diplomats in Canada indicating their involvement in the plot were gathered by Canadian officials.

The US did not learn about the plot or evidence pointing to India's involvement until after Nijjar was killed. The report comes in the midst of shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners, prompting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to claim a potential link between Indian government agents and Nijjar's killing. The US has urged India to cooperate with Canada in its investigation.

However, US officials are cautious about discussing the matter as they do not want to alienate India, with whom they hope to expand ties as a counterbalance to China. Meanwhile, India maintains that it has not received any specific information from Ottawa regarding the case. The involvement of the US in triggering Canada's allegation against India threatens to disrupt American engagement with India.