U.K. urges India to co-operate with Canada amid diplomatic dispute
On Wednesday, the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office issued a statement saying India’s co-operation with Canada would be the “next right step.”
Amid an ongoing diplomatic dispute between Canada and India, the U.K. has urged New Delhi to cooperate with Ottawa’s legal process, expressing full confidence in Canada’s judicial system.
On Wednesday, the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office released a statement asserting that India’s cooperation would be the "next right step."
“We are in contact with our Canadian partners regarding the serious developments outlined in Canada’s independent investigations. The U.K. has full confidence in Canada’s judicial system. Respect for sovereignty and the rule of law is essential,” the statement said.
“The Government of India’s cooperation with Canada’s legal process is the right next step.”
This statement follows Canada’s expulsion of six Indian diplomats on Monday, citing allegations that Indian officials had targeted Canadian citizens opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Canadian authorities linked India’s high commissioner and other diplomatic personnel to the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and accused India of broader efforts to target dissidents in Canada.
India has denied any involvement in Nijjar’s death and responded by expelling six high-ranking Canadian diplomats, including the acting high commissioner.
The U.K.'s statement also came after a phone conversation between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday evening.
According to the readout from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders discussed the recent developments, referring to what Trudeau described as a “targeted campaign against Canadian citizens by agents linked to the Government of India.”
They emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of their citizens and upholding the rule of law. Trudeau reiterated Canada’s willingness to cooperate with India to address the issue.
“Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Starmer agreed to remain in close and regular contact,” the PMO said.
