OTTAWA: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the Indian government’s crackdown against Canadian diplomats was creating difficulties for millions of people in both countries.
Trudeau’s remarks came a day after Canada revealed the withdrawal of 41 diplomats in response to India’s threat to unilaterally revoke their diplomatic status. This diplomatic row stemmed from Trudeau’s earlier accusation of Indian agents’ involvement in the murder of a Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada in June this year. India denies any involvement.
The Canadian Prime Minister criticized India for making “life as usual” exceptionally challenging for people in both countries and accused India of violating basic diplomatic principles. During a televised press conference in Brampton, Ontario, Trudeau expressed his concern for the well-being and happiness of the millions of Canadians with Indian roots.
Canadian Diplomat Expulsions Risk Trade, Indian Student Stay
He pointed out that the expulsion of Canadian diplomats could impede travel and trade and create difficulties for Indian students studying in Canada. Approximately two million Canadians, constituting 5 percent of the population, have Indian heritage. India is the largest source of international students in Canada, accounting for approximately 40 percent of study permit holders.
The Indian foreign ministry rejected allegations of violating the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, emphasizing the need for parity in mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa due to the state of bilateral relations and what they perceived as Canadian interference in India’s internal affairs. As a result, Canada now retains 21 diplomats in India.
The US State Department came to Canada’s support in the dispute, urging the Indian government not to insist on reducing Canada’s diplomatic presence and to cooperate in the ongoing Canadian investigation, according to spokesperson Matthew Miller.
