What Five Eyes allies US, UK, Australia and NZ said on India-Canada diplomatic row

The ongoing diplomatic friction between Canada and India over alleged Indian government involvement in the targeted harassment of Canadian citizens has drawn cautious responses from key Five Eyes allies, namely the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

As Canada continues to call for international support, allied responses have ranged from reserved concern to an emphasis on judicial processes.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who initially claimed the involvement of Indian agents in actions against Canadian citizens, has sought support from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia.

Each has responded with a nuanced stance, balancing diplomatic ties with India and calls for accountability.

United States: Calling for accountability

The United States, meanwhile, has taken a firmer line on the issue, backing Canada’s call for cooperation from India.

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US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “We have made clear that the allegations are grave and they need to be taken seriously, and we’ve wanted to see the government of India cooperate with Canada in its investigation.”

Miller added that, as of now, India “has not chosen that path,” indicating frustration with India’s response thus far.

United Kingdom: Diplomatic balancing act

In an effort to garner backing, Trudeau reached out to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with Trudeau’s office stating that the two leaders discussed “the targeted campaign against Canadian citizens by agents linked to the Government of India.”

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While Downing Street released a readout confirming the discussion, it notably omitted any mention of India, instead emphasizing a mutual commitment to “the rule of law” and an agreement to “remain in close contact pending the conclusions of the investigation.”

This restrained language reflects the UK’s efforts to maintain its relationship with India while indicating support for Canada’s investigative processes.

New Zealand’s subtle stance

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters issued a more general statement on the matter, refraining from directly mentioning India. He commented, “The alleged criminal conduct outlined publicly by Canadian law enforcement authorities, if proven, would be very concerning.”

This diplomatic phrasing signals New Zealand’s respect for the Canadian judicial process while avoiding any explicit stance that could strain ties with India, a significant partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

Australia: A careful approach

Australia has adopted a similar tone. The Print quoted an Australian foreign affairs spokesperson as saying, “Australia has made clear our concerns about the allegations under investigation in Canada, and our respect for Canada’s judicial process. Our position of principle is that the sovereignty of all countries should be respected and that the rule of law should be respected.”

Our position of principle is that the sovereignty of all countries should be respected and that the rule of law should be respected."

In 2023, the Australian foreign office noted it was “deeply concerned by these allegations”, though Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has refrained from commenting directly on the India-Canada dispute.

When questioned on the matter, Albanese replied, “I speak with the Prime Minister of Canada all the time… I have proper discussions with them and that’s how we get things done.”