The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday strongly reacted to Canada’s accusations over the removal of its diplomats from India. As India confirmed that 41 Canadian diplomats have left the country, Canada accused India of violating the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
Countering Canada’s charge, the MEA said in a statement: “We reject any attempt to portray the implementation of parity as a violation of international norms.”
It further stated: “The state of our bilateral relations, the much higher number of Canadian diplomats in India, and their continued interference in our internal affairs warrant a parity in mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa.”
“Our actions in implementing this parity are fully consistent with Article11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” the MEA stated. Canadian Foreign Minister Mlanie Joly said Thursday that 41 of Canada’s 62 diplomats in India have been removed, along with their dependents.
“A unilateral revocation of the diplomatic privilege and immunity is contrary to international law and a clear violation of Geneva Convention on diplomatic relations. Threatening to do so is unreasonable and escalatory,” Joly said, adding that India’s decision will impact the level of services to citizens of both countries.
Only 21 officials remain in India to handle the work at India’s embassy and consulates, Joly said. According to reports, the drop in diplomatic staff is likely to hit processing time for visas. Canada has also halted all in-person services in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chandigarh—those in need will now have to visit the embassy in New Delhi..
India’s move comes amid the diplomatic spat between the two countries after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In a tit-for-tat move, India had suspended its visa services in Canada and asked the latter to reduce the number of its diplomats in India.
