New Delhi, India – India has issued a robust response to Canada’s allegations of diplomatic impropriety, asserting that it has not violated any international norms while seeking a reduction in Canadian diplomatic presence in the Indian capital, New Delhi. The recent spat between the two nations has been further exacerbated by the fallout over the killing of Khalistani leader Nijjar, which has led to growing tensions in their diplomatic relations.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement on Friday to clarify its stance, following accusations made by Canada about violations of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Canada’s Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, disclosed on Thursday that her country had withdrawn 41 diplomats and their 42 dependents from India in response to the ongoing dispute between the two nations.
In its response, India rejected any suggestion that its actions were in contravention of international norms. The MEA emphasized the need for parity in mutual diplomatic representation in New Delhi and Ottawa, given the current state of bilateral relations and what it sees as Canada’s unwarranted interference in India’s internal affairs.
“We reject any attempt to portray the implementation of parity as a violation of international norms,” the external affairs ministry said in its statement.
The MEA’s statement further highlighted the substantial disparity in the number of Canadian diplomats posted in India compared to Indian diplomats in Canada. It also underscored Canada’s involvement in India’s internal matters as reasons justifying the call for parity in mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa.
“We have seen the Statement by the Government of Canada on October 19 regarding Canadian diplomatic presence in India,” the ministry’s statement read. “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,” it continued.
This recent diplomatic standoff adds a new layer of tension to the already complex relationship between India and Canada. The fate of the diplomatic presence in each other’s capitals now hangs in the balance as both countries attempt to assert their positions and protect their interests. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are awaited as the diplomatic community observes how the two nations navigate this challenging period in their relations.
