New Delhi: Amid the tense diplomatic standoff between India and Canada in the wake of the claim by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Indian “agents” were behind the killing of separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra does not “talk about security briefings under Five Eyes”. The ‘Five Eyes’ is an intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, US and the UK.
According to news agency ANI, Albanese made the remark at a press briefing. “We don’t talk openly about security briefings on members of Five Eyes group.”
He further said that he has had discussions with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau, but he would like to keep it “confidential”.
“I do have discussions with Prime Minister Trudeau but one of the things that I do, unlike my predecessor, I don't send out text messages, I keep those discussions confidential. Justin Trudeau is a friend of mine, he's a fine Prime Minister of Canada. I was pleased to engage with him at the G20 Summit,” Albanese said at the press briefing, as reported by ANI.
Also weighing in on the diplomatic fallout of PM Trudeau’s claim, US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said “serious allegations” were levelled by the Canadian PM and that the matter should be dealt with in a “transparent” manner.
In an interview with CBS News, Kirby said, “These allegations are serious and we know that Canadians are investigating and we certainly don’t want to get ahead of that investigation. We urge India to cooperate in that investigation as well.”
Foreign Secretary of UK, James Cleverly said his government was in “regular contact” with Canada over the allegations raised by PM Trudeau.
Taking to X, Cleverly posted, “All countries should respect sovereignty and the rule of law. We are in regular contact with our Canadian partners about serious allegations raised in the Canadian Parliament. Important that Canada’s investigation runs its course and the perpetrators brought to justice.”
Speaking on the India-Canada diplomatic row, US Ambassador Eric Gercetti said the perpetrators will be brought to justice and there should be a probe before inferences are drawn.
“Canada is a dear friend, partner and ally and happens to be our northern neighbour. We care deeply for Canada just as we care deeply for India. I think that moments like this don't define our relationship, but they certainly can slow down progress. With an active criminal investigation, I hope that we can make sure that perpetrators are brought to justice and that we can all allow the space for that information and that investigation to occur before anybody leaps to judgment,” Garcetti said while speaking to media persons.