Canadian diplomats leave India: MEA calls Canadian diplomatic staff reduction an 'Administrative Matter

Canadian diplomats leave India, India, Nearly 100 Canadian diplomatic staff have left India recently, as highlighted by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Jaiswal explained that this reduction is due to local staffing changes and is considered an administrative matter to be addressed by the Canadian authorities.

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During the weekly press briefing on Friday, Jaiswal assured that visa processing and other operations remain unaffected. He stressed that the reasons for the staff reduction should be discussed with the Canadian officials for clarity.

Jaiswal said "As we understand their visa processing etc is normal, functioning is normal," he said, adding that for more information on that, the Canadian side can guide better."

Canadian diplomatic reduction after Nijjar row

This development follows Canada's decision last October to withdraw 41 diplomats from India and suspend visa and consular services in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. This action was prompted by India's move to remove diplomatic immunity and seek balance in the number of diplomats between the two countries.

Canada accused India of violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which was refuted by the MEA, stating that no international norms were breached. India emphasized the need for equal diplomatic representation in both New Delhi and Ottawa.

Discussions between India and Canada have been ongoing to implement this parity, with India asserting that its actions are in line with Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic ties.

Tensions between the two nations heightened when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in September last year that the Indian government was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as baseless and politically motivated. Canada has yet to provide public evidence to support Trudeau's claim.

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