India Canada Row: The diplomatic tension between India and Canada has escalated significantly. The root of the issue is Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, accusing India of being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and pro-Khalistan activist. India has firmly denied the accusation, demanding evidence. As the row intensifies, both nations have expelled top diplomats, further straining relations. Amid this growing diplomatic tension, Trudeau has sought the backing of the Five Eyes alliance to put international pressure on India.
What is the Five Eyes Alliance?
The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are the five main countries that make up the Five Eyes (FVEY), a significant intelligence-sharing partnership. The UK-USA Agreement, which aims to share signals intelligence, includes these countries. Now that India and Canada’s diplomatic ties are under strain, Trudeau is trying to use these allies backing to put further pressure on India.
U.S. Reaction: Urging Cooperation
The United States has shown concern over the allegations. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the seriousness of the claims, saying, “We have made clear that the allegations are grave and need to be taken seriously.” He urged India to cooperate with Canada in the investigation, adding, “India has not chosen that path.” The U.S. has maintained a firm stance, emphasizing the need for thorough inquiry, though it is cautious about not escalating the tension further in the India Canada diplomatic row.
The United Kingdom’s Cautious Approach
The UK has responded more cautiously, even though Justin Trudeau has also contacted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Although the UK did not specifically cite India in its comments, Trudeau’s office discussed a “targeted campaign against Canadian citizens by agents linked to the Government of India.” Rather from taking a strong stand against India, Downing Street supported the probe and concentrated on maintaining the “rule of law.” In order to show a balanced diplomatic attitude in current diplomatic conflict, the UK seeks to preserve its relations with India while acknowledging Canada’s concerns.
New Zealand and Australia Weigh In
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed concern, stating that the allegations are serious and need attention. He remarked, “The alleged criminal conduct outlined publicly by Canadian law enforcement authorities, if proven, would be very concerning.”
Meanwhile, Australia has voiced support for Canada’s judicial process. An Australian foreign affairs spokesperson noted, “Australia has made clear our concerns about the allegations under investigation in Canada, and our respect for Canada’s judicial process.” The country underscored the importance of respecting sovereignty, reiterating that the rule of law should prevail.
Canada Has No Concrete Proof Against India
In a significant update, Justin Trudeau has admitted that his government had “intelligence but no proof” linking India to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This admission comes after weeks of diplomatic strain, as Canada initially made serious allegations against India without solid evidence. Trudeau clarified that while there are individuals in Canada who support Khalistani movements, this does not reflect Canada’s official policy, nor is it considered illegal in the country.
India’s Response: No Evidence Presented by Canada
Following Trudeau’s remarks, India has once again reiterated its stance on the issue. In a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, India highlighted that it has not received any credible evidence from Canada to support these claims. The statement read: “What we have heard today only confirms what we have been saying consistently all along – Canada has presented us no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations that it has chosen to level against India and Indian diplomats. The responsibility for the damage that this cavalier behaviour has caused to India-Canada relations lies with Prime Minister Trudeau alone.”
India’s Strategic Importance to Five Eyes Nations
Even if these countries express worry about Canada’s claims, the matter is made more difficult by their ties to India. India has strong political and economic relations to numerous countries in the Five Eyes region and is a key player in international initiatives, particularly in the Indo-Pacific area. This makes it difficult for these nations to fully support Canada since they also need to maintain their strategic alliances with India. The Five Eyes countries struggle to strike a balance between preserving significant connections and diplomatic accountability.
The India Canada diplomatic row has reached new heights, with Trudeau seeking support from powerful allies like the Five Eyes. While these nations express concern and call for proper investigation, they are also cautious about not damaging their ties with India.
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