Trudeau Discusses India-Canada Dispute With UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau engaged in discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday regarding the ongoing dispute between India and Canada, and reiterated the significance of upholding and respecting the principles of the “rule of law.”

During a telephone conversation, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Sheikh Mohamed also addressed the current situation in Israel, expressing their shared concern about the importance of safeguarding civilian lives. Trudeau shared this information on his social media platform, stating, “Today, in our phone call, His Highness @MohamedBinZayed and I discussed the current situation in Israel, expressing deep concern and highlighting the imperative of protecting civilian lives.”

Additionally, the two leaders conversed about the India-Canada dispute and stressed the need to adhere to and honor the rule of law in that context as well.

Previously, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for a de-escalation of tensions in the India-Canada row during a conversation with his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau. A statement from Downing Street revealed that Sunak had been briefed on the situation involving Canadian diplomats in India during the call and expressed the hope for a reduction in tensions. He also reiterated the UK’s stance that all nations should respect sovereignty and the rule of law, including the principles outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Meanwhile, Trudeau provided an update on the situation concerning Canadian diplomats in India. The diplomatic relationship between India and Canada deteriorated following the Canadian government’s expulsion of a senior Indian diplomat, alleging Indian involvement in the assassination of a Khalistani separatist leader named Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. In response, India issued a statement denying any involvement in the matter and also expelled a senior Canadian diplomat.

As tensions escalated, India called for parity in the number of Canadian diplomats in India, prompting discussions on the matter. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, clarified that the request for parity stemmed from the substantial Canadian diplomatic presence in India and ongoing interference in India’s internal affairs. Discussions are ongoing to achieve this parity, with the expectation of a reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats in India due to their higher representation. Bagchi’s statement underscored India’s commitment to seeking a balanced diplomatic presence between the two countries.

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