New Delhi: India has told Canada to withdraw around 40 diplomats from the country, according to a report published on Monday.
As per sources, New Delhi has stipulated a deadline of October 10 for their return and has issued a warning to revoke the diplomatic immunity of those who remain beyond that date.
As per the report, the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi has a greater number of diplomats in comparison to India’s representation in Ottawa. This imbalance is explained by the significant consular section needed to aid the relatives of the approximately 1.3 million Canadians with Indian heritage.
Furthermore, the report indicates that Ottawa presently maintains 62 diplomats in India, and New Delhi has directed them to reduce this number by 41 individuals.
This reported action has unfolded amidst escalating tensions between the two countries following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s public statement on September 18. Trudeau accused India of being implicated in the assassination of Sikh-Canadian leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, in June.
In response to Trudeau’s allegation, which also urged India to collaborate in the investigation of Nijjar’s killing, Canada expelled a senior Indian diplomat.
The Indian government responded vehemently, dismissing the accusations as “absurd.” In a retaliatory action, a Canadian representative was expelled.
Furthermore, New Delhi suspended visa services for Canadians and issued a travel advisory cautioning Indian citizens. The advisory highlighted the “growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada,” urging nationals in the country and those considering travel to exercise utmost caution.