Indian Govt : In a diplomatic showdown that has caught the world’s attention, Indian Govt has issued a compelling request for Canada to recall over 40 of its diplomats currently stationed in the country. According to a report by the Financial Times, this move comes as a response to the earlier request of the Indian Govt for Canada to significantly reduce its diplomatic presence in India.
The deadline for the repatriation of these diplomats has been set for October 10 by Indian Govt Sets Deadline for Canada, as disclosed by sources familiar with the matter. Canada currently maintains a diplomatic presence of 62 individuals in India, and the insistence that Indian Govt set a Deadline for Canada to downsize by 41 diplomats has further strained relations between the two nations.
Indian Govt set a Deadline
The roots of this diplomatic standoff can be traced back to the allegations made by Ottawa against New Delhi regarding the killing of a Khalistani separatist on Canadian soil. These allegations have not only shaken diplomatic relations but have also prompted Interpol to issue a Red Corner Notice against the wanted Khalistani leader, Karanvir Singh.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, emphasized the need for a balance in the diplomatic presence of both nations. He pointed out that Canada’s diplomatic staff in India surpasses the number of Indian diplomats in Canada, highlighting the importance of achieving strength and rank equivalence in mutual diplomatic missions.
The tensions between India and Canada have reached an unprecedented low, with Canada harbouring suspicions that Indian Govt agents played a role in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada back in June. India, in contrast, had labelled Nijjar a “terrorist” and vehemently denied any involvement in his death.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar previously expressed concerns about a “climate of violence” and an “atmosphere of intimidation” against Indian diplomats in Canada, further deepening the rift between the two nations.
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