Canada withdraws 41 of its diplomats after India sought parity in the strength of Canada’s diplomatic presence in the country.

India, in a bid to achieve diplomatic parity, requested a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence in the country from 62 to 21. In response, Canada withdrew 41 of its diplomats from India just before the New Delhi-set deadline. Failure to comply with this request would have resulted in the loss of diplomatic immunity for the remaining Canadian diplomats.

Image Source -hindustantimes.com

India, in a bid to achieve diplomatic parity, requested a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence in the country from 62 to 21. In response, Canada withdrew 41 of its diplomats from India just before the New Delhi-set deadline. Failure to comply with this request would have resulted in the loss of diplomatic immunity for the remaining Canadian diplomats.

This move drew criticism from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who characterized it as a violation of the "Vienna Convention governing diplomacy" and noted its potential impact on millions of Canadians with roots in the Indian subcontinent.

The demand for this reduction in Canadian diplomats stemmed from a disparity in the number of diplomats stationed in each other's countries. India had 21 diplomats in Canadian consulates and embassies, while Canada had three consulates in India, along with five trade and state government offices, none of which were asked to be removed. The Ministry of External Affairs in India stated that the state of bilateral relations, the disproportionate number of Canadian diplomats in India, and their alleged interference in Indian internal affairs justified a mutual reduction in diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa.

Some of the diplomats withdrawn from India were suspected of engaging in activities inconsistent with their diplomatic status, including direct liaising with political party leadership. There were allegations that Canada had enlisted its diplomats to gather political intelligence by collaborating with certain Indian politicians. India's request for diplomatic parity with Canada harkened back to 1994 when India sought similar parity with Pakistan due to its diplomats allegedly overstepping their diplomatic boundaries.

India's primary concern in this situation has been to address pro-Khalistani activities occurring on Canadian soil. New Delhi aims to maintain the bilateral relationship with Canada and avoid escalating the issue further.