Mint Explainer: Why does India want big cuts in Canada’s diplomatic strength?

livemint.com:

According to numerous media reports, India has asked Canada to sharply reduce the number of diplomats it has in the country. This is a significant move as Canada’s mission in India is among its largest anywhere in the world. It may also reflect that the spat between the two countries hasn’t cooled just yet.

A diplomatic row broke out between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged last month that India may have been involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan leader and Canadian citizen. Diplomats were expelled and India suspended visa services in Canada. New Delhi then announced it was seeking “parity in rank and diplomatic strength" between the two countries.

Since Canada maintains a large diplomatic presence in the country, its strength would have to be reduced to match India’s presence in Canada. The Financial Times reported that 41 Canadian diplomats have been asked to leave India by 10 October or face losing diplomatic immunity. Trudeau spoke about the importance of Canada having a diplomatic presence in India.

“Obviously we are going through an extremely challenging time with India right now, but that’s why it is so important for us to have diplomats on the ground working with the Indian government and to support Canadians and Canadian families," he said. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said Canada would continue talking to India on the matter. Prior to this incident, it seemed as if the Canadian government had chosen to de-escalate tensions with India.

Prime Minister Trudeau said as much and stressed the importance of his country’s relationship with India. This latest clash demonstrates that diplomatic reprisals may yet be in the offing. Mint had earlier