By Leslie Rajan 
In the midst of a deepening diplomatic crisis between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau engaged in conversations with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed. During the discussion, Trudeau emphasized the significance of upholding and respecting the rule of law, addressing both the India-Canada dispute and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Trudeau’s comments follow a series of escalations in tensions between India and Canada, sparked by Trudeau’s claims of Indian government agents’ involvement in Nijjar’s murder. India vehemently denied these allegations as baseless and motivated.
The diplomatic standoff led to reciprocal measures, with India suspending visa services for Canadian nationals and expelling a Canadian diplomat in response to Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official. Canada, in turn, relocated a significant portion of its diplomats in India to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, following New Delhi’s request for a reduction in diplomatic staff.
Trudeau’s discussions with key global leaders, including the UAE President and UK counterpart Rishi Sunak, highlight the complexity of the situation. The international community closely watches as diplomatic tensions persist, hoping for a peaceful resolution while emphasizing the importance of respecting the rule of law in global affairs.