In a move aimed at achieving diplomatic “parity” amidst an ongoing dispute, India has formally requested that Canada reduce its diplomatic presence in New Delhi. This request, made by the Indian external affairs ministry, comes in the wake of strained relations between the two nations, with India having already suspended visa services to Canada. Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for India’s external affairs ministry, has confirmed that discussions are currently underway to determine the specifics of this diplomatic downsizing.
India’s primary objective, as stated by Bagchi, is to foster a conducive working environment for Indian diplomats in Canada and to attain equality in terms of diplomatic representation. The escalating tensions between India and Canada can be traced back to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has categorically dismissed these allegations as “absurd” and “motivated.” In response to Trudeau’s claims, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, mirroring Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official linked to the Nijjar case. It is worth noting that India has designated Hardeep Singh Nijjar as a terrorist, and he met his demise in Canada in June.
In Nutshell:
- Diplomatic Parity Pursuit: India has urged Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence in New Delhi with the goal of achieving “parity” in diplomatic representation.
- Ongoing Dispute: The request comes in the midst of an ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada.
- Visa Services Suspension: India has already suspended visa services to Canada, further underscoring the tensions between the two nations.
- Modalities Under Discussion: Discussions are ongoing to determine the specifics of how this diplomatic downsizing will be implemented.
- Fostering Conducive Atmosphere: India’s primary focus is on creating a conducive working environment for Indian diplomats in Canada and achieving equality in diplomatic strength.
- Roots of Strain: The strained relationship between India and Canada can be attributed to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations of Indian involvement in a killing.
- Terrorist Designation: India has officially designated the individual in question, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, as a terrorist.
- Reciprocal Expulsions: In response to Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official, India took the step of expelling a senior Canadian diplomat.
