During the ongoing disagreement between India and Canada regarding the death of a Khalistani separatist, Hardeep Nijjar, Rishi Sunak and Justin Trudeau emphasized the importance of calming down the tensions between the two countries.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Rishi Sunak emphasize the importance of reducing tensions between India and Canada. (Justin Trudeau Twitter)
Several nations have expressed concerns about the growing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada regarding the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardip Singh Nijjar. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the need to reduce the tension and called for adherence to the rule of law.
UK PM Rishi Sunak had a conversation with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and expressed optimism about easing the situation. He also agreed to stay in touch with Prime Minister Trudeau regarding future actions. Following the UK PM’s statement, Trudeau issued a similar one.
“The situation concerning Canadian diplomats in India was updated for Prime Minister Trudeau,” stated Downing Street.
“Prime Minister Sunak reiterated the UK’s stance that all nations should respect sovereignty and adhere to the rule of law, including the principles outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. He hoped for a reduction in tensions and agreed to maintain communication with Prime Minister Trudeau regarding the next steps,” the statement read.
During their discussion, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau provided an update on the ongoing situation between India and Canada, according to the Canadian Prime Minister’s office in Ottawa.
“The leaders highlighted the importance of following the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and ensuring the safety and security of their citizens. They stressed the need to reduce tensions in this situation. Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Sunak agreed to maintain close communication and collaborate on addressing global challenges,” states the Canadian government’s announcement.
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have been strained for months following the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada in June.
In the previous month, Justin Trudeau addressed the Canadian Parliament and alleged India’s involvement in the killing of Nijjar. Trudeau claimed that Canadian security forces were actively investigating credible accusations linking Indian government agents to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the leader of Khalistan Tiger Force, in British Columbia in June. However, India strongly dismissed the accusation as “unfounded and driven by ulterior motives.”