British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his hope for a de-escalation of the India-Canada diplomatic row during a call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The conversation primarily focused on the standoff over the killing of a Khalistani terrorist in June.
According to a statement from Downing Street, Sunak was briefed on the situation concerning Canadian diplomats in India. Both leaders agreed to maintain contact, with Sunak reaffirming the UK’s position of respecting the rule of law. Canada had accused India of involvement in the killing of a pro-Khalistan wanted terrorist.
“The Prime Minister [Sunak] reaffirmed the UK’s position that all countries should respect sovereignty and the rule of law, including the principles of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. He hoped to see a de-escalation in the situation and agreed to remain in contact with Prime Minister Trudeau on the next steps,” the statement read.
Trudeau had previously stated in the Canadian Parliament that its security forces were actively pursuing credible allegations linking Indian government agents to the murder of Khalistan Tiger Force leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India strongly rejected this allegation.
The fallout of this diplomatic row extended to the UK when Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami was prevented from visiting a Gurdwara in Glasgow by pro-Khalistan extremists.
In response to the incident, UK Foreign Office minister for Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan expressed concern about the safety and security of foreign diplomats and the need for places of worship to be open to all.
The Ministry External Affairs (MEA) stated that it has been coordinating with its mission in Ottawa and consulates in other Canadian cities over safety concerns. The MEA spokesperson emphasized that the issue revolves around security and reassured that diplomats are safe and the community is not targeted.
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