Canada has made the bold move to withdraw 41 diplomats and their 42 family members from India amid intensifying diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The decision follows India’s suspension of visa operations to Canada and its demand for a reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats in India, emphasizing ‘parity’ in the midst of a diplomatic row.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly revealed the decision, expressing concerns about the safety of their diplomats if India were to unilaterally strip them of diplomatic immunities. She emphasized the importance of diplomatic immunities in the world of international relations, calling them a fundamental principle of diplomacy.
Joly asserted that a unilateral revocation of diplomatic privilege and immunities violates international law, especially the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. She warned that allowing such norms to be broken would put diplomats worldwide at risk.
Despite the tensions, Joly made it clear that Canada would not reciprocate the actions taken by India, in line with its commitment to upholding international diplomatic norms.
The move is expected to affect the level of service delivery Canada can offer to its citizens in both countries. Canada has temporarily suspended in-person services in its consulates in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in response to the escalating situation, emphasized that his government had been continuously engaged in diplomacy and dialogue with the Indian government. He acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and the need to address it.
India has expressed its focus on achieving ‘parity’ in terms of diplomatic presence and called for a reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats in the country, citing perceived interference in its internal affairs. Discussions are ongoing between the two countries to determine the specifics of this reduction.
This latest development comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that the Indian government was behind the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, India has categorically denied these allegations, deeming them ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated.’
Nijjar, designated as a terrorist in India, was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Canada’s Surrey, British Columbia, in June.
The situation remains a critical diplomatic challenge, and further developments are anticipated as discussions continue between the two nations.
