Canada withdraws 41 diplomats as India seeks diplomatic parity

India’s foreign minister Jaishankar acknowledged that India-Canada relations were at a “difficult phrase”, but India invoked diplomatic parity due to concerns over “continuous interference” in its “internal affairs” by Canadian personnel.
Jaishankar added that India has stopped issuing visas in Canada because of safety concerns for its diplomatic staff. Sources suggest that the security situation is under review, which may allow a resumption of visa services.
Meanwhile, the US and UK governments backed Canada, insisting that diplomatic presence is required to be on the ground to resolve disputes.
Canadian foreign minister Joly criticized India for the withdrawal order, saying that “unilateral revocation of the diplomatic privilege and immunity is contrary to international law” and a violation of the convention on diplomatic relations.
Australian intelligence chief Mike Burgess separately remarked that he has “no reason” to dispute Ottawa’s account about Nijar’s killing.

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23-Oct-2023