The British government on Wednesday has expressed its concern over the escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, urging India to cooperate with an ongoing Canadian investigation into the alleged involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The British government said that it has “full confidence” in Canada’s judicial system and India’s cooperation with the Canadian legal process is the “right next step.”
“We are in contact with our Canadian partners regarding the serious developments outlined in the independent investigations in Canada.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,” a spokesperson from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said.
This came days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of using its diplomats and organised crime to target its citizens, calling it a “monumental mistake,” allegations which India vehemently rejected.
The Ministry of external affairs rejected Trudeau’s claims, accusing his government of attempting to “smear India for political gains” and catering to separatist elements within Canada’s Sikh community. The MEA also said that Trudeau’s cabinet has included individuals “who have openly associated with an extremist and separatist agenda regarding India.”
Canada warns of potential sanctions
Canada has also invoked support from its “Five Eyes” intelligence partners and G7 nations, warning India of potential sanctions. Canadian foreign minister Mélanie Joly, during a news conference, said Canada is prepared to take strong actions if India refuses to cooperate with the investigation. “Everything is on the table,” Joly said when asked if sanctions against India were being considered. She said that Canada will continue to push India to cooperate, engaging its intelligence partners, which include the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, alongside key G7 nations like France, Germany, and Italy.
Trudeau said that Canadian officials had engaged with their Indian counterparts to present “evidence which concluded six agents of the Government of India are persons of interest in criminal activities and despite repeated requests…India has decided not to co-operate.” Among those accused was India’s high commissioner to Canada, a senior diplomat, for whom Ottawa sought the revocation of diplomatic immunity.
India should take Canada’s allegations ‘seriously’: US
The United States has also weighed in on the matter, calling for India to cooperate with Canada’s investigation. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stressed that the allegations are “extremely serious” and must be handled accordingly. “We have made it clear that we expect India to take these allegations seriously and cooperate fully with Canada. Unfortunately, they have chosen not to,” Miller said during a press briefing.
India recalls its High Commissioner
Following Trudeau’s allegations that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) possess “clear and compelling” evidence linking the Indian government to a series of violent activities targeting South Asian Canadians—including coercive behavior, information-gathering operations, and the murder of Nijjar—India responded by recalling its High Commissioner from Canada and expelling six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi.