India govt’s cooperation with Canada is right next step: UK

The government of India’s cooperation with Canada’s legal process is the right next step over the “serious developments”, the UK has said with reference to the ongoing India-Canada diplomatic row.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in a statement, said 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 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.

The Foreign Office statement follows a more innocuous one from 10 Downing Street after Prime Minister Keir Starmer received a call from his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau, on Monday evening.

“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,” reads the Downing Street statement, which did not mention India or its government by name.