The American and British governments have asked India to retract its decision to diminish the number of Canadian diplomats within its borders, emphasizing the need to respect international law commitments.
The decision by Canada to withdraw 41 out of its 62 diplomats from India came after New Delhi sought diplomatic parity between the two nations by October 10th.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly described India’s request as “unreasonable”, noting it would only permit 21 Canadian diplomats and their families to retain their diplomatic standing in India. This would leave the remaining without diplomatic immunity, making them susceptible to possible retaliations or arrests.
U.S. and U.K. officials voiced their apprehension about the situation. Matthew Miller, U.S. Department of State spokesperson, stated, “In light of India’s request leading to the exit of Canadian diplomats, we are troubled. Diplomatic engagement is essential to resolve disagreements. We have advised India to refrain from decreasing Canada’s diplomatic cadre and to aid the ongoing Canadian inquiry.”
Miller stressed the U.S.’ expectation for India to adhere to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, particularly concerning the rights and privileges of Canada’s diplomatic team.
Similarly, the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) conveyed its disagreement with India’s decisions that caused many Canadian diplomats to leave the country. The FCDO highlighted the significance of upholding the Vienna Convention, emphasizing that taking away the rights and protections of diplomats goes against the treaty’s core principles.
Minister Joly has charged India with contravening international and Vienna Convention standards. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mirrored these sentiments, expressing global concerns over India’s actions.
However, India refuted claims of violating international norms, emphasizing their aim to achieve diplomatic parity with Canada.
This diplomatic tension follows allegations by Prime Minister Trudeau last month, accusing India of involvement in the June assassination of renowned Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Trudeau revealed that intelligence agencies were delving into credible claims of India’s possible involvement in the killing, a charge India staunchly denies.
Trudeau and Joly have further expressed that Canadian federal law enforcement is actively probing the assassination and have urged India’s collaboration.
Additionally, David Cohen, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, mentioned shared intelligence insights among the “Five Eyes” alliance that informed Trudeau’s public charge against India concerning Nijjar’s murder. Cohen hinted at extensive dialogue between the U.S. and Canada regarding the matter.