Canadian Prime Minister Addresses Diplomatic Strain with India, Raises Concerns About Impact on Millions

In a significant diplomatic development, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed deep concerns over the actions taken by the Indian government, stating that they are making everyday life incredibly challenging for millions of people in both India and Canada. Trudeau's remarks came in response to Canada's recent decision to withdraw 41 diplomats, a move triggered by India's threat to unilaterally revoke their diplomatic status.

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In a significant diplomatic development, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed deep concerns over the actions taken by the Indian government, stating that they are making everyday life incredibly challenging for millions of people in both India and Canada. Trudeau's remarks came in response to Canada's recent decision to withdraw 41 diplomats, a move triggered by India's threat to unilaterally revoke their diplomatic status.

During a televised press conference held in Brampton, Ontario, Trudeau emphasized, "The Indian government is making it unbelievably difficult for life to proceed as usual for millions of people in India and Canada. They're doing so by contravening a fundamental principle of diplomacy." He underscored the adverse impact these actions would have on the well-being and happiness of millions of Canadians with origins in the Indian subcontinent.

The expulsion of Canadian diplomats, as mentioned by Trudeau, is expected to have ripple effects on various aspects of the relationship between the two nations. Travel and trade are likely to be hampered, and it could also pose difficulties for Indian students pursuing education in Canada. Currently, around two million Canadians, constituting 5% of the total population, have Indian heritage. India stands as the largest source of global students in Canada, accounting for approximately 40% of study permit holders.

The Indian government, however, rejected claims that it violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. In a statement, the Indian foreign ministry argued, "The state of our bilateral relations, the disproportionately higher number of Canadian diplomats in India, and their continued interference in our internal affairs justify a balance in mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa." This statement referred to Canada's reduction of its diplomatic presence in India to 21 diplomats.

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Supporting Canada's position in this diplomatic standoff, the US State Department issued a statement on Friday. Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "We have urged the Indian government not to insist on reducing Canada's diplomatic presence and to cooperate in the ongoing Canadian investigation." This vocal support from the United States further underscores the seriousness of the issue.

As the tension between Canada and India continues to escalate, the implications for the diplomatic relationship and the well-being of millions of Indian-origin Canadians remain a matter of global concern, with both countries closely monitoring the situation.