New Delhi: India has refuted Canada’s allegations that its pursuit of diplomatic parity violates international law and the Vienna Convention. This response followed Canada’s withdrawal of 41 diplomats and 42 dependents, complying with India’s ultimatum.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs asserted that India’s actions align with Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention, rejecting any depiction of parity implementation as an infringement of international norms.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced the suspension of in-person diplomatic services at consulates in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Joly remarked that India’s reaction was disproportionate but stated that Canada would not retaliate.
“We encourage India to respect international law, and that’s why we have adopted a principled approach, refraining from reciprocating India’s action in stripping diplomatic immunity from 41 of our diplomats, which clearly contravenes international law,” said Joly.
India had repeatedly sought diplomatic parity amid its dispute with Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen. Nijjar was killed by unknown assailants in Surrey, British Columbia, in June.
India rejected Trudeau’s allegations, dismissing them as absurd and motivated, leading to the expulsion of diplomats by both countries.
Government sources justified India’s action of limiting the size of the Canadian High Commission to establish parity with the Indian High Commission in Ottawa. They cited the state of India-Canada bilateral relations, the higher number of Canadian diplomats in India, and their alleged interference in India’s internal affairs. The action was taken in accordance with Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which allows the receiving state to limit the size of diplomatic missions based on its assessment of reasonableness and necessity.
The diplomatic dispute has escalated in recent weeks, with both countries taking actions and issuing statements reflecting their differences. It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve and whether the two nations can find common ground to resolve their issues.
