The federal government of India’s cooperation with Canada’s authorized course of is the fitting subsequent step over the “severe developments”, the UK mentioned on Wednesday (October 16, 2024)
| Photograph Credit score: AP

The federal government of India’s cooperation with Canada’s authorized course of is the fitting subsequent step over the “severe developments”, the UK mentioned on Wednesday (October 16, 2024) with regards to the continuing India-Canada diplomatic row.

The International, Commonwealth and Growth Workplace (FCDO), in an announcement right here, mentioned that it stays involved with Canadian companions over the “ongoing Canadian investigation linked to the federal government of India” and expressed confidence in Ottawa’s judicial system.

The assertion adopted India’s expelling of six Canadian diplomats and withdrawal of its Excessive Commissioner in Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, earlier this week terming Canada’s allegations as “preposterous” and a part of a political agenda centred on vote-bank politics.

The FCDO assertion comes two days after Prime Minister Keir Starmer acquired a name from his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Monday (October 14, 2024).

The UK and Canada are a part of an intelligence alliance named ‘5 Eyes’, additionally comprising Australia, New Zealand and america.

“We’re involved with our Canadian companions in regards to the severe developments outlined within the impartial investigations in Canada,” mentioned an FCDO spokesperson.

“The UK has full confidence in Canada’s judicial system. Respect for sovereignty and the rule of regulation is important. The federal government of India’s cooperation with Canada’s authorized course of is the fitting subsequent step,” the spokesperson mentioned.

The India-Canada diplomatic row centres across the killing of Sikh separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which escalated after the Canadian authorities alleged that Indian authorities brokers carried out covert operations within the nation.

India has strongly rejected makes an attempt by Canadian authorities to hyperlink Indian brokers with felony gangs in Canada.

“The federal government of India strongly rejects these preposterous imputations and ascribes them to the political agenda of the Trudeau authorities that’s centred round vote-bank politics,” the Ministry of Exterior Affairs (MEA) mentioned in an announcement.

“Since Prime Minister Trudeau made sure allegations in September 2023, the Canadian authorities has not shared a shred of proof with the Authorities of India, regardless of many requests from our aspect.”

“This newest step follows interactions which have once more witnessed assertions with none info. This leaves little doubt that on the pretext of an investigation, there’s a deliberate technique of smearing India for political beneficial properties,” it provides.

The International Workplace assertion follows a extra innocuous one from 10 Downing Avenue after Prime Minister Keir Starmer acquired a name from his Canadian counterpart, Mr. Trudeau, on Monday (October 14, 2024) night.

“They mentioned current developments relating to allegations underneath investigation in Canada. Each agreed on the significance of the rule of regulation. They agreed to stay in shut contact pending the conclusions of the investigation,” reads the Downing Avenue assertion, which didn’t point out India or its authorities by identify.