Five Eyes support Canada in spat with India on Nijjar

A cyclist rides along the road outside the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi on October 16, 2024.
| Photo Credit: AFP

The United Kingdom has “full confidence” in the Canadian judicial process, the Foreign Office in London declared on Wednesday, expanding the ambit of the unprecedented diplomatic crisis that has broken out between India and Canada over the alleged involvement of Canada-based Indian diplomats in the 2023 killing of pro-Khalistan preacher Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

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U.K. is the third member of the ‘Five Eye’ countries to extend support to Canada’s position. Earlier New Zealand and Australia too had extended support to Canada.

“We are in contact with our Canadian partners about the serious developments outlined in the independent investigations in Canada. The U.K. has full confidence in Canada’s judicial system. Respect for sovereignty and the rule of law is essential,” said the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in an official statement.

The Five Eye countries — Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.S., and the U.K. — often coordinate closely on issues of common security interest.

The key pillar

The protection of political and civil rights, including the right to peaceful protest, is a key pillar of the Five Eye democracies. In the recent years, India has been uncomfortable with the campaign for so-called (online) referendum on Khalistan in all the five countries but India’s arguments did not prevent the Five Eye countries to crackdown on the pro-Khalistan campaigners.

Emphasising the need for cooperation, the U.K. further said, “The Government of India’s cooperation with Canada’s legal process is the right next step.”

Earlier, New Zealand became first among the friends of Canada from within the Five Eye democracies to express support for the Canadian position expressing concern about the allegations from Canada.

“The alleged criminal conduct outlined publicly by Canadian law enforcement authorities, if proven, would be very concerning,” said New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters in a social media statement on X 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, other than to note that it is important that the rule of law and judicial processes be respected and followed.”

Diplomats expelled

Citing alleged involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada has expelled six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma. In a tit-for-tat move, India too expelled six Canadian diplomats, including the head of mission Stewart Ross Wheeler. Both sides have given time till October 19 for the diplomats to exit. Australia has come forward to support Canada’s allegations and urged for respect for sovereignty of nation states.

“Australia has made clear our concerns about the allegations under investigation in Canada, and our respect for Canada’s judicial process. Our position of principle is that the sovereignty of all countries should be respected and that the rule of law should be respected,” said a spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia.

Jairam Ramesh asks PM Modi to take opposition leaders into confidence

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to X and said that he has asked PM Modi to the Leaders of Parliament of both houses along with other political leaders into confidence on the allegations placed against India by the Canadian Government.

“This demand is necessitated by the worsening India-Canada relations and growing concerns about India-U.S. ties. Allegations made by Canada, now backed by several other countries, are threatening to escalate, tarnishing India’s global reputation and damaging Brand India,” Mr. Ramesh said. “It is imperative that the Government of India promptly and clearly articulate its stance on this issue.”