maaxx.ca

London: Western ministers and officials will work hard to ensure that the diplomatic row between Canada and India does not spill over into other international relations. On the great geopolitical chessboard, India is a key player.

With the world’s largest population, India is also the largest economy globally. A number of Western countries view India as a potential bulwark against Chinese influence.

This was reflected at the G20 summit in India, when Ukraine’s Western allies agreed to a final communiqué that did not condemn Russia for its invasion.

They decided to maintain international relations with India by avoiding disputes caused by this issue. But the choice offended some people in kyiv, Ukraine.

Another fear among Western diplomats is the risk that countries will begin to take sides in the conflict between Canada and India.

Tensions between the two countries became increasingly murky when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the murder of a Sikh activist named Hardeep Singh Nijjar in western Canada in June.

In recent months, India has attempted to push its country to become a leader in the group of developing countries known as the “Global South.” Many of the group’s member states refuse to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Noting this gap, the United States and several European countries have made real diplomatic efforts to win the hearts of these countries, arguing that the war is important for their economies.

India-Canada conflict

Diplomats do not want the conflict between Canada and India to disrupt these efforts, lest it turn into a North-South confrontation between two Commonwealth countries, a confrontation between a transatlantic power and a developing country .

For now, Canada’s allies remain loyal despite their relative caution.

The White House called the United States “deeply concerned” about Canada’s alleged killing of India, saying it was “critical that Canada continue the investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

For countries like the United Kingdom and Australia, both of which have significant Sikh communities, it is always possible that diplomatic disputes like this could have domestic political consequences.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said Britain was willing to listen to the serious concerns raised by Canada.

He told the BBC that he and Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly discussed the allegations on Monday and that Britain took them very seriously.

Cleverly declined to answer whether Britain would suspend trade talks with India, but said the country would wait until Canada’s investigation was complete before deciding what further steps to take.

“Canada and India are close friends of the United Kingdom, they are Commonwealth partners,” Cleverly said, quoted in BBCWednesday September 10, 2023.

Also read: Canada expels Indian diplomat over alleged murder of Sikh activist

Ottawa or New Delhi?

An Australian Foreign Department spokesperson said Canberra was “very concerned” about the allegations and had “raised its concerns to the highest levels in India.”

For now, Western countries will wait patiently and monitor the progress of the investigation into Canada’s allegations against India. Some allies may have access to Canadian intelligence information. The presence of solid evidence will change the burning situation that is currently occurring.

If this happens, Western countries will have to choose between supporting Ottawa or New Delhi, choosing between supporting the principle of the rule of law or the importance of politics.

In the past, Western countries have condemned alleged extraterritorial assassinations carried out by countries such as Russia, Iran or Saudi Arabia. They don’t want India to join this list. (Hillary Sitohang)

Don’t forget to follow updates other news and follow Google Account News Medcom.id

(WIL)