London | The government of India's cooperation with Canada's legal process is the right next step over the “serious developments”, the UK said on Wednesday with reference to the ongoing India-Canada diplomatic row.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in a statement here, said that it remains in contact with Canadian partners over the “ongoing Canadian investigation linked to the government of India” and expressed confidence in Ottawa's judicial system.
The statement follows India expelling six Canadian diplomats and withdrawing its High Commissioner in Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, earlier this week terming Canada's allegations as “preposterous” and part of a political agenda centred on vote-bank politics.
The FCDO statement comes two days after Prime Minister Keir Starmer received a call from his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Monday.
The UK and Canada are part of an intelligence alliance named 'Five Eyes', also comprising Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
“We are in contact with our Canadian partners about the serious developments outlined in the independent investigations in Canada,” said an FCDO spokesperson.
“The UK has full confidence in Canada's judicial system. Respect for sovereignty and the rule of law is essential. The government of India's cooperation with Canada's legal process is the right next step,” the spokesperson said.
The India-Canada diplomatic row centres around the killing of Sikh separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which escalated after the Canadian government alleged that Indian government agents carried out covert operations in the country.
India has strongly rejected attempts by Canadian authorities to link Indian agents with criminal gangs in Canada.
“The government of India strongly rejects these preposterous imputations and ascribes them to the political agenda of the Trudeau government that is centred around vote-bank politics,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
“Since Prime Minister Trudeau made certain allegations in September 2023, the Canadian government has not shared a shred of evidence with the Government of India, despite many requests from our side.
“This latest step follows interactions that have again witnessed assertions without any facts. This leaves little doubt that on the pretext of an investigation, there is a deliberate strategy of smearing India for political gains,” it adds.
The Foreign Office statement follows a more innocuous one from 10 Downing Street after Prime Minister Keir Starmer received a call from his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau, on Monday evening.
“They discussed recent developments regarding allegations under investigation in Canada. Both agreed on the importance of the rule of law. They agreed to remain in close contact pending the conclusions of the investigation,” reads the Downing Street statement, which did not mention India or its government by name.
You may also like
Jharkhand's Healthcare Crisis: Pregnant Woman Gives Birth Outside Hospital, Sparking Outrage
Typhus: Know All About The Silent Killer That's Spreading Fast
Indian Navy is biggest guarantee of peace in Indian Ocean Region, says Rajnath Singh
Abu Dhabi: Free breast cancer screening announced across multiple locations
Denmark Open: Sindhu enters second round; Treesa-Gayatri, Sumeeth-Sikki exit
How is the Sokudo Acute electric scooter? Know what features it has and what is its range
Marks & Spencer shoppers plead for more colours of 'incredibly comfy and warm' funnel neck jumper
Japan sees record foreign tourist arrivals in September
The secret of bumper mileage and strong handling of Maruti cars is revealed!
Eight shocking celebrity moments caught on camera from TV star's 'refusal to clap' to smooch
Dubai school among world's top 150 private institutions in 2024
Inflation crashes! Now BoE has no excuse and MUST slash interest rates to the bone
Drunk Elephant moisturiser that 'helps with redness' and is 'perfect for winter' hits sale with £20 off
Maruti Baleno's Regal Edition is here to make a splash before Diwali, customers will go crazy on seeing it
Russian general threatens invasion of NATO countries and 'restoration' of Soviet Union
Thomas Tuchel net worth, huge England salary and big financial sacrifice
Celebrity chef Shabir Hussain - dubbed the 'King of Curry' -dies aged 56
Your car will start giving 20 to 30 percent more mileage, just do these important settings while driving
Mumbai's Iconic Rhythm House Located At Kala Ghoda Gets New Owner Under Insolvency Auction
Debenhams' 'easy to wear' and 'flattering' autumn dress is perfect with boots