U.K. is the latest to declare its confidence in the judicial process by Ottawa, which is investigating
the alleged involvement of Indian diplomats in the 2023 killing of a pro-Khalistan preacher
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.
U.K. is the fourth member of the ‘Five Eye’ countries to extend support to Canada’s position. Earlier New Zealand, the United States and Australia had backed 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, U.S., and 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.
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.
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 also come forward to support Canada’s allegations and urged for respect for sovereignty of nation states.
Spokesperson of the U.S. State Department Mathew Miller also said on Tuesday, “When it comes to the Canadian matter, we have made clear that the allegations are extremely serious, and they need to be taken seriously. We wanted to see the Government of India cooperate with Canada in its investigation. Obviously, they have not chosen that path.”
The escalating crisis drew attention of the Indian National Congress that urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take Parliament into confidence. “Our nation’s international image as a country that believes in and adheres to rule of law is at risk, and it is crucial that we act together to defend it,” said Jairam Ramesh, general secretary in charge of communications, expressing concern about the crisis.