GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 18th Oct. While the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, the other members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, have urged India to cooperate with Canada’s legal process in the investigation into the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada has yet to initiate any formal legal proceedings against alleged ‘Indian agents’ or present any evidence to New Delhi, according to sources. Despite these calls, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has not filed a charge sheet in the case, leaving the basis for these demands unclear.
A source familiar with the matter stated that when Canada’s National Security Advisor met with his Indian counterpart in Singapore last weekend, he shared the names of six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, labeling them as agents. However, no formal charges or concrete evidence were provided, raising questions about the credibility of the allegations. “The remarks by other members of Five Eyes therefore do not have any basis,” the source added.
UK Calls for Indian Cooperation
Following a conversation between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the UK stressed the importance of India’s cooperation with Canada’s legal process, describing it as the “right next step” given the “serious developments.” A spokesperson from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) said, “We are in contact with our Canadian partners about 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.”
US Criticizes India’s Stance
The US also echoed Canada’s concerns, suggesting that India is not cooperating with the investigation. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller commented, “When it comes to the Canadian matter, we have made clear that the allegations are extremely serious and they need to be taken seriously. We wanted to see the government of India cooperate with Canada in its investigation. Obviously, they have not chosen that path.”
Australia and New Zealand Offer Nuanced Positions
Australia and New Zealand have taken more cautious stances. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty and the rule of law without directly mentioning India. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese refrained from addressing the controversy directly.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters indicated a preference for letting the judicial process take its course, without explicitly referencing India in his statement.
Canada Yet to Provide Evidence
Despite the diplomatic pressure from its allies, Canada has not yet shared any tangible evidence with India regarding the allegations. The investigation remains stalled, as the RCMP has yet to present a charge sheet. The absence of formal legal proceedings against the accused ‘Indian agents’ has led to questions about the credibility and basis of Canada’s claims.
The ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have drawn global attention, with calls for transparency and adherence to legal norms being a focal point in the dispute. As the situation unfolds, the lack of concrete evidence and legal action on Canada’s part remains a critical aspect of the ongoing debate.
The post Five Eyes Urges India’s Cooperation in Nijjar Case; Canada Yet to Share Evidence appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
