Date: 4/10/23
India-Canada Diplomatic Relations Hit New Low as India Urgently Calls for the Immediate Departure of 40 Canadian Officials
- India has requested that Canada withdraw its 40 diplomats by the 10th of October. This demand has come forth after Canada accused India of involvement in the murder of Harshdeep Singh Nijjar.
- India has delivered a stern ultimatum, setting a clear deadline of October 10th for the return of Canadian diplomats, or it may be forced to revoke their diplomatic privileges. Despite this significant development, the Canadian government has maintained a visible silence on the matter.
India-Canada diplomatic relations just turned a bit more sour. India has formally requested that Canada recall dozens of diplomats from the country. This request comes in the wake of Canada’s accusation of India’s involvement in the murder of Harshdeep Singh Nijjar, designated as a terrorist and identified as a Khalistani activist by India.
The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi has requested that Ottawa withdraw 40 Canadian officials by October 10th. India has also issued a warning that if these diplomats extend their stay beyond the specified date, the country will revoke their diplomatic immunity. Additionally, the ministry has called for equality in the deployment of diplomats between both nations. Currently, sources indicate that Canada has stationed 62 diplomats in India. The MEA in Delhi has emphasized that Indian diplomats in Canada are facing threats from anti-India groups. Additionally, they have advised Indian nationals to avoid traveling to high-risk areas.
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau is seeking assistance from Western allies regarding this matter. The USA has expressed its concerns regarding the issue. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Friday, “Washington is deeply concerned about the allegations in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whom India designated as a terrorist years ago.” During a discussion at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C., on Friday, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, mentioned that Indian diplomats in Canada face open threats.
At the G-20 summit, Modi and Trudeau engaged in a cordial discussion regarding India-Canada diplomatic relations. During this exchange, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his concerns about the anti-Indian elements in Canada as well as the business relations between both countries. It will be interesting to observe how the situation develops as both countries seek peace.
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