The UK said on Wednesday (October 16, 2024) that the Indian government’s cooperation with the Canadian legal process is the next step on “serious developments”. Photo Credit: AP
The United Kingdom has “full confidence” in the Canadian judicial process, the Foreign Office in London announced Wednesday, expanding the scope of the unprecedented Diplomatic crisis has erupted between India and Canada Over the alleged involvement of Canada-based Indian diplomats in the murder of pro-Khalistan preacher Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
The UK is the third member of the ‘Five Eye’ countries to support Canada’s position. Earlier, New Zealand and Australia had also supported Canada.
“We are in contact with our Canadian partners regarding the serious incidents outlined in the independent investigation in Canada. The UK has full confidence in the Canadian judicial system. Respect for sovereignty and the rule of law is essential, the Overseas Commonwealth and Development Office said in an official statement.
The Five Eye countries – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the US and the UK – often coordinate closely on issues of common security interest.
main pillar
The protection of political and civil rights, including the right to peaceful protest, is a key pillar of the Five Eyes democracy. In recent years, India has been uncomfortable with the so-called (online) referendum campaign on Khalistan in all five countries, but India’s arguments did not stop the Five Eye countries from cracking down on pro-Khalistan campaigners.
Emphasizing the need for cooperation, the UK further said, “The Government of India’s cooperation with the Canadian legal process is an important next step.”
Earlier, New Zealand became the first of Canada’s friends from within the Five Eye democracies to express support for Canada’s position while expressing concern about Canada’s allegations.
“The alleged criminal conduct publicly outlined by Canadian law enforcement officers, if proven, would be deeply concerning,” New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters said in a social media statement on Tuesday.
Mr Peters expressed support for the rule of law and said, “At the same time, we do not comment on the details of ongoing criminal investigations in New Zealand or abroad, except to say that it is important that the rule of law and judicial processes are respected.” And should be followed.”
Diplomats were expelled
Canada has expelled six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, citing their alleged involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In a tit-for-tat move, India also expelled six Canadian diplomatsWhich also includes mission chief Stewart Ross Wheeler. Both sides have given time till October 19 to the diplomats to leave. Australia has come forward to support Canada’s allegations and urged respect for the sovereignty of nation states.
“Australia has made clear our concerns about the allegations under investigation in Canada and our respect for the Canadian judicial process. Our principle position is that the sovereignty of all countries should be respected and the rule of law respected,” said a spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
published – October 16, 2024 03:23 PM IST