Canada’s announcement of the withdrawal of 41 diplomats from India has prompted a strong reaction from New Delhi, further complicating an already strained diplomatic relationship.

The underlying cause of this friction is rooted in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in a Sikh temple parking lot near Vancouver back in June. The fallout from this incident has led to a series of accusations and counteractions between the two nations.

Canada says …

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly of Canada confirmed, “As of now, I can confirm that India has formally conveyed its plan to unethically remove diplomatic immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and dependents in Delhi by October 20.” This move was seen as ethically questionable by the Canadian government, putting the safety of 41 diplomats and 42 dependents at risk. Additionally, it was noted that the decision would disrupt the level of services provided by consulates in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

India Reacts: Statement Issued by Ministry of External Affairs

India has forcefully defended its actions in response to these allegations, stating, “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.” India’s External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, stated that discussions with Canada regarding these changes had been ongoing over the past month.

Bagchi also pointed out that India’s actions were in line with Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which allows the host country to determine reasonable limits on the size of a diplomatic mission.

Background

The tensions between India and Canada originated from Nijjar’s killing in June. Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh separatist who had lived in Canada since 1997 and acquired Canadian citizenship in 2015, was wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder. Canada had requested Indian cooperation in the investigation of Nijjar’s killing, to which India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed willingness to examine any evidence presented by Canada. Jaishankar also raised concerns about Canadian inaction following attacks on Indian consulates and the perceived interference in Indian politics.

These recent developments in India-Canada relations follow Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations against the Indian government, alleging its involvement in Nijjar’s killing on Canadian soil. New Delhi categorically denied these allegations, resulting in the reciprocal expulsion of diplomats from both nations.

New Delhi’s response to the Canadian allegations has been firm, labeling them as “absurd” and advising its nationals against traveling to specific Canadian regions due to growing anti-Indian activities. India also temporarily halted visa processing for applications from Canada and sought parity in diplomatic staff.

Joly, on the Canadian side, disclosed, “New Delhi planned to revoke diplomatic immunity for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and their families by Friday.” Canada, however, opted not to retaliate in kind and expressed its commitment to maintaining diplomatic engagement with India. Furthermore, Ottawa accused New Delhi of breaching diplomatic norms following the ouster of Canadian diplomats.