New Delhi: In its pursuit of diplomatic parity with Canada, India is facing a stark reality as it emerges that Ottawa boasts at least three times the number of accredited diplomats compared to New Delhi.
Canada, with its four missions in India, including the High Commission in Delhi, stands in contrast to India’s three. Sources have indicated that around 35 accredited Indian diplomats operate in Canada. In contrast, over 100 Canadian accredited diplomats are stationed in India, including one high commissioner, two deputy high commissioners, three ministers, 18 councillors, close to three dozen first secretaries, and several second secretaries and attachés.
Yet, when taking into account the overall mission staff, which includes non-accredited personnel and family members, the disparity becomes even more pronounced. It is estimated that the total number of Indians working in the three Canadian missions is around 120. Meanwhile, the Canadian staff and their families in Delhi alone surpass this number, not to mention their substantial presence in the three other consulates.
While India’s diplomatic footprint in Canada includes the High Commission in Ottawa and Consulates in Vancouver and Toronto, Canada’s reach extends further with consulates in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, in addition to the High Commission in New Delhi.
Experts and former ambassadors foresee the stress on diplomatic parity leading to a potential reduction in the number of Canadian consulates in India. Minister of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi noted that India has sought “parity in strength and rank equivalence in our mutual diplomatic presence,” emphasizing that Canadian diplomatic numbers in India far exceed those of India in Canada. Bagchi also suggested that there would likely be a reduction from the Canadian side.
Prior to the MEA press briefing, the Canadian High Commission issued a statement indicating a temporary adjustment in staff presence in India “out of an abundance of caution.” Bagchi acknowledged that this adjustment was occurring at the request of the Indian side.
Diplomatic sources have revealed that discussions with Canada are ongoing, and India has requested a comprehensive list of Canadian diplomats and staff operating in the country, which has yet to be provided.
This diplomatic exchange comes against the backdrop of strained relations between India and Canada, sparked by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations regarding India’s alleged involvement in the death of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as “absurd and motivated” and issuing travel advisories for Indian nationals and students in Canada.
