Politics

Canada evacuates 41 diplomats, 42 accompanying dependents from India

A large number of Canadian diplomats have left India overnight

October 20, 2023

Canada withdraws 41 diplomats from India amid immunity dispute

Canada evacuated its 41 diplomats and 42 accompanying dependents, failing to which India said that they would lose diplomatic immunity.

The departures followed two weeks of negotiations between India and Canada after India issued a demand for “parity” in the number of diplomats present in the two countries, CBC News reported, citing a source with knowledge of the situation.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Canada has withdrawn 40 diplomats from India.

Last month, the diplomatic relations between the two nations hit an all-time low after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Parliament that Indian intelligence agents may have been involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India’s External Affairs Ministry had given an ultimatum to Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff by October 20. “We had no choice but to comply. The safety of Canadians, of our diplomats, is always my top concern,” Joly said.

The fresh development came amid strained ties between Canada and India after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in mid-September accused Indian government agents of being behind the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.

Shortly after Trudeau’s remarks, the Canadian government announced the dismissal of a senior Indian diplomat in Canada, for his alleged involvement in the killing of Nijjar in the Canadian Province of British Columbia in June.

Both countries subsequently issued travel advisories urging their citizens to “exercise utmost caution” while travelling to some regions in the other country. Furthermore, India’s visa processing Centre in Canada suspended services.

[With Inputs from IANS]

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.