India-Canada row: UK says India’s cooperation is right next step

UK supports Canada's legal process in India-Canada diplomatic row, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and rule of law.

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 (October 16, 2024) 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 followed India’s expelling of six Canadian diplomats and withdrawal of 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 (October 14, 2024).

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.