Hardeep Singh Nijjar Killing: Keep embassy staff equal, Canada told
India has asked Canada to reduce its number of diplomats across its missions in the country and repatriate 41 diplomats by early next week, saying it would revoke their diplomatic immunity if they stayed after the given date.
This comes just weeks after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of a «potential» involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
While the Indian government is yet to issue a statement on its latest move, sources have indicated to ET that the decision to ask Canada to reduce its diplomats by October 10 is aimed at bringing the strength of Indian missions and Canadian missions on par. Indian missions in Canada have around 21 diplomats and the Canadian missions in India currently have 62 diplomats.
Meanwhile, Trudeau went on the backfoot on Tuesday and said that his government was «not looking to escalate the situation» with India.
«Canada is not looking to escalate the situation with India. Will continue to engage responsibly and constructively with New Delhi.
We want to be on the ground in India to help Canadian families there,» Reuters quoted Trudeau as saying.
India had last month cautioned Canada against interference in the internal affairs of the country and it was felt that the excessive staff in Canadian missions in India were not required given the focus of the partnership.
«Their numbers here are higher than India's diplomatic presence in Canada… We have seen Canadian diplomatic interference in our internal affairs. This is being taken into account and parity is being sought in rank and diplomatic strength,» external affairs ministry had said last month.
Responding to Canada's allegations, India rejected the claims,
