US and UK Express Concern Over Diplomatic Rift Between India and Canada

The United States and the United Kingdom have jointly expressed their deep concern over the recent departure of Canadian diplomats from India. This move comes in the wake of India's insistence on a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence in the country, a decision that has sparked a diplomatic dispute. The root cause of the dispute revolves around the murder of a Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in a Vancouver suburb back in June.

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The United States and the United Kingdom have jointly expressed their deep concern over the recent departure of Canadian diplomats from India. This move comes in the wake of India's insistence on a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence in the country, a decision that has sparked a diplomatic dispute. The root cause of the dispute revolves around the murder of a Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in a Vancouver suburb back in June.

Canada has made allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of Nijjar, whom India has branded a "terrorist." India has categorically denied any involvement in the murder, further escalating tensions between the two nations.

According to US State Department spokeswoman Matthew Miller, "We are concerned by the departure of Canadian diplomats from India in response to the Indian government's demand that Canada significantly reduce its diplomatic presence in India." The United States and the United Kingdom have also taken Canada's claims seriously and encouraged India to participate in the murder inquiry. Western governments, on the other hand, have been wary of overtly denouncing India, recognizing its importance as a geopolitical counterbalance to China in the Asian area.

These statements by the US and the UK represent a direct and unprecedented criticism of India in this ongoing diplomatic dispute. The spokesperson for Britain's Foreign Office added, "We do not agree with the decisions taken by the Indian government that have resulted in a number of Canadian diplomats departing India."

In response to these tensions, Canada has withdrawn 41 diplomats from India, and it has temporarily suspended in-person operations at its consulates in several Indian cities, issuing warnings of potential visa processing delays. Both the US and the UK emphasized the importance of diplomatic dialogue to resolve differences, urging India not to insist on reducing Canada's diplomatic presence and to cooperate in the ongoing investigation.

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Furthermore, the US State Department stressed that it expects India to adhere to its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The UK's Foreign Office echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the unilateral removal of diplomatic privileges and immunities was inconsistent with the principles and effective functioning of the Vienna Convention.

As the diplomatic rift between India and Canada continues to make headlines, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the dispute. The delicate balance of diplomacy and international relations remains at the forefront of this complex situation.