The escalating diplomatic row between India and Canada has captured the attention of the Five Eyes Alliance, a coalition of five nations - the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This dispute originated from the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Khalistani separatist, in June 2023, an event that has intensified bilateral tensions as well as triggered tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats from both countries.
Trudeau has claimed that the Canadian government shared strong intelligence regarding India’s alleged involvement in the assassination with its allies in the Five Eyes framework, particularly highlighting communication with the United States.
Response from the Five Eyes Alliance
Within the Five Eyes Alliance, New Zealand has emerged as a vocal supporter of Canada. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, on Tuesday, expressed concerns regarding the allegations, stating that if proven, they could pose significant implications for international law and relations.
Taking to microblogging site X, he wrote, "New Zealand has been briefed by Canada about its recent announcements on ongoing criminal investigations into violence and threats of violence against members of its South Asian community. The alleged criminal conduct outlined publicly by Canadian law enforcement authorities, if proven, would be very concerning".
However, Peters, also added, "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".
The United Kingdom and Australia have also urged India to collaborate with Canada in its investigation.
The UK government, on Wednesday, reiterated its position on the India-Canada diplomatic tensions, asserting that India's cooperation with Canada's legal process is a crucial step forward.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London expressed confidence in Canada’s judicial system and stated that it remains in contact with Canadian partners regarding the serious developments related to the independent investigations.
An FCDO spokesperson affirmed, "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 government of India's cooperation with Canada's legal process is the right next step over the serious developments, the UK further added.
Earlier, on Tuesday, the UK released a readout of a call between Canadian PM Trudeau and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which took place late on Monday evening. According to a statement from 10 Downing Street, the leaders discussed recent developments related to ongoing investigations in Canada.
“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,” as per the 10 Downing Street statement.
Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to its close ties with New Delhi, labeling the two nations as "close friends" during recent diplomatic discussions. During a press briefing on Tuesday, however, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to comment on the ongoing diplomatic dispute between India and Canada.
“I speak with the Prime Minister of Canada all the time. And what I do in my relationships with international leaders is I have proper discussions with them and that’s how we get things done. And that’s why, one of the reasons why my Government has been so effective in international diplomacy,” Albanese had noted.
Meanwhile, the United States, on Tuesday, condemned India for its lack of cooperation in the investigation into the assassination of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The US State Department described the allegations surrounding Nijjar's killing as "extremely serious" and called on India to engage constructively with Canada regarding the investigation.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller addressed the issue during a press briefing, stating, "When it comes to the Canadian matter, we have made clear that the allegations are extremely serious and they need to be taken seriously."
Background: The Assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Nijjar was a prominent Khalistani separatist and was labeled a terrorist by the Indian government. Following his assassination in Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused India of being involved in the incident last September. This allegation has been met with strong denials from New Delhi, asserting that the accusations are baseless and politically motivated.
Trudeau has maintained a firm stance on accountability, calling for an independent investigation into the allegations against India. In retaliation, India, on Monday, expelled several Canadian diplomats and announced the withdrawal of its high commissioner, further escalating the diplomatic standoff.
In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, India and Canada expelled each other's ambassadors on Monday, marking a significant low point in their bilateral relations. This move follows serious allegations from Canada regarding increased Indian involvement in operations targeting Khalistani separatists, which Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau characterised as a "fundamental error" on India's part. On the same day, India responded to the allegations by expelling six Canadian diplomats and recalling its high commissioner from Ottawa.
New Delhi has firmly rejected allegations of involvement in criminal activities within Canada, specifically responding to Trudeau's assertion that Ottawa had provided evidence regarding the assassination of Khalistani separatist leader Nijjar. The Ministry of External Affairs has labeled Trudeau's claims as "simply not true," further straining relations between the two nations.
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