In a dramatic turn of events, Canada has reportedly evacuated the majority of its diplomats stationed in India amid rising diplomatic tensions with New Delhi. The evacuation follows India’s request to Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff in the country.
According to reports from Canada’s CTV News, diplomats who were previously posted outside of New Delhi have been swiftly relocated to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. This development comes in the midst of a diplomatic dispute triggered by the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Earlier this week, India delivered a request to Canada, demanding the withdrawal of approximately 40 diplomats by October 10. The Financial Times, a London-based newspaper, revealed this request, further disclosing that the Indian government has also issued a warning to strip the diplomatic immunity of any Canadian diplomats who remain in India beyond the specified deadline.
In response to these developments, Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, articulated India’s position. Bagchi explained that India’s request for Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff aimed to “bring parity” due to the significant difference in diplomatic presence between the two nations and concerns over Canadian interference in India’s internal affairs.
The exact number of diplomats evacuated from India remains undisclosed. While initial reports indicated that 41 diplomats were expected to depart, subsequent information suggests that the request was framed in terms of achieving parity.
However, official statements from both Indian and Canadian authorities regarding this evacuation have yet to be issued.
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have been deteriorating, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on September 19. India vehemently refuted these allegations, dismissing them as “absurd” and “motivated.” In response, New Delhi expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move following Canada’s earlier expulsion of an Indian official.
As the diplomatic standoff continues, the evacuation of Canadian diplomats underscores the escalating tensions between the two nations.
