US, UK, Back Canada, Ask India To Cooperate

NEW DELHI, (ANI) – US, the UK and Australia—all Five Eyes allies of Canada—have all expressed public support of Ottawa in the ongoing diplomatic row with New Delhi over its allegations of Indian officials being linked to violent crimes in the North American country.

US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller backed Ottawa and said that it “wanted” India to cooperate with Canadian authorities in the ongoing investigation but that New Delhi “has not chosen that path”.

“But as we’ve said before, they are serious allegations, and we have wanted to see India take them seriously and cooperate with Canada’s investigation. They have chosen an alternate path,” said Miller during a press briefing October 15

The US is India’s partner in the Quad along with Australia and Japan. The US Justice Department is conducting its own investigation into a foiled plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun—the Indian designated terrorist—allegedly concocted by an Indian government official.

The United Kingdom on October 16 said that it is in contact with the Canadian government and the spokesperson said India’s cooperation with Canada’s legal process would be the “right next step. “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,” he said.