In Fresh Provocation, Canada PM Talks To UAE About India On 'Importance Of Upholding Law'

In a fresh provocation against India, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Monday discussed the India-Canada row with the President of UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stating that it is important to uphold and respect the "rule of law".

On X, the Canadian Prime Minister said, "On the phone today, His Highness @MohamedBinZayed and I spoke about the current situation in Israel. We expressed our deep concern and discussed the need to protect civilian life. We also spoke about India and the importance of upholding - and respecting - the rule of law."

His remarks come at a time when India and Canada's relationship has taken a toll following the murder of Khalistani gangster Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Last month, Trudeau's administration expelled a senior Indian diplomat accusing India of playing a role in Nijjar's death.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and one of India's most-wanted terrorists who carried a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head. He was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen outside a gurdwara in Surrey in the western Canadian province of British Columbia in June.

In a tit-for-tat move, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat.

Meanwhile, UK PM Rishi Sunak called for de-escalation of the India-Canada row in a call with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau.

As per a statement from Downing Street, Sunak had a conversation with Trudeau on Friday evening during which he received an update on the status of Canadian diplomats in India.

"He (Rishi Sunak) 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 said.

Sunak reiterated the United Kingdom's stance, emphasizing the importance for all nations to uphold sovereignty, the rule of law, and adhere to the principles outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.