In a significant development, Canada has withdrawn 41 diplomats from India, escalating the diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The dispute arises from allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linking the Indian government to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, allegations that New Delhi has strongly denied.
Strained India-Canada Relations
The allegations and counter-accusations have strained India-Canada relations, leading to a tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats on both sides. The Indian government has called the Canadian accusations “absurd” and advised its nationals against traveling to specific Canadian regions due to growing anti-Indian activities.
Diplomatic Immunity Concerns
The diplomatic fallout deepened when India formally communicated its intention to revoke diplomatic immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and their dependents in Delhi by October 20. This move was met with concern from Canada, as it jeopardized the immunity of 41 Canadian diplomats and 42 dependents, putting their personal safety at risk.
Impact on Consular Services
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Melanie Joly, stated that India’s decision would impact the level of services at Consulates in both countries. As a result, in-person services at Canadian Consulates in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore have been temporarily suspended.
Canada’s Position
During a press conference, Minister Joly clarified that Canada did not plan to retaliate in kind and would continue engaging with India. Canada also accused India of breaking diplomatic norms. Ottawa highlighted the disparity in the number of Canadian diplomats in India and expressed concerns about their interference in India’s internal affairs.
India’s Response
In response, the Indian government emphasized the higher number of Canadian diplomats in India and their continued interference in India’s internal affairs, justifying the need for mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa. The two nations have been engaged in discussions to address these concerns over the past month.
The root of the India-Canada row can be traced back to the June killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh separatist wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder. Following Canada’s request for cooperation in the probe, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed the need for Canada to address attacks on Indian consulates and refrain from interference in Indian politics.
