Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized India for revoking the diplomatic immunity of 40 Canadian diplomats, alleging that this action contravened basic diplomatic principles and the Vienna Convention. He also raised concerns about the alleged involvement of the Indian government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. Trudeau made these remarks during an event in Brampton, Canada, while discussing the strained relations between two countries.
In response to India’s insistence on the removal of Canadian diplomats, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats from India, categorizing it as an “expulsion.” New Delhi had requested the removal of Canadian diplomats, citing interference in its internal affairs. India argued that it sought diplomatic parity, as there were a significantly higher number of Canadian diplomats in India compared to Indian diplomats in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs in India dismissed Canada’s allegations of violating international law, emphasizing the need for mutual diplomatic presence to be in line with Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention.
The Article in question allows the receiving state to determine reasonable and normal limits on the size of a diplomatic mission when no specific agreement exists. India’s decision to reduce Canada’s diplomatic presence in India was seen as consistent with this provision. However, Trudeau expressed strong disapproval of India’s actions, suggesting that they made it exceedingly challenging for millions of people in both India and Canada.
The United States and the United Kingdom voiced their concerns about the departure of Canadian diplomats from India, showing support for Canada. The U.S. State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, expressed concern over India’s demand for Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence in India and disagreed with the decisions made by the Indian government. Similarly, a spokesperson for the British Foreign Office conveyed that they did not agree with India’s actions that led to the departure of Canadian diplomats from India.
This exchange highlights a diplomatic dispute between Canada and India, with Trudeau asserting that India violated the Vienna Convention and international law by revoking the diplomatic immunity of Canadian diplomats, while India argued that it was seeking parity in the size of diplomatic missions in the two countries. The involvement of the United States and the United Kingdom in expressing support for Canada further underscores the international implications of this diplomatic tension.
