WASHINGTON, Oct 21: The United States is alarmed by the departure of Canadian diplomats from India and is urging New Delhi to abide by its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.
“We are concerned by the departure of Canadian diplomats from India, in response to the Indian government’s demand for Canada to significantly reduce its diplomatic presence in India,” Miller said in the statement on Friday.
The United States has urged the Indian government not to insist upon a reduction in Canada’s diplomatic presence, the statement said.
“We expect India to uphold its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, including with respect to privileges and immunities enjoyed by accredited members of Canada’s diplomatic mission,” the statement added.
Canada paused the operation of its Consulates General in three Indian cities following the withdrawal of more than 40 Canadian diplomats amid a diplomatic row over the murder of a Sikh activist.
On Thursday, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced Canada had withdrawn 41 diplomats from India after their diplomatic immunity was threatened.
According to the statement, India intended to carry out “a unilateral revocation of diplomatic privileges and immunities” for Canadian diplomats.
The Canadian government website states services are paused at the Consulates General of Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai. All services can be obtained at Canada’s High Commissioner’s office in New Delhi.
In September, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Ottawa was examining credible allegations linking Indian officials to the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The activist, who was shot by two masked men in the Canadian province of British Columbia on June 18, campaigned for the creation of an independent Sikh state in India called Khalistan.
Following the incident, Canada expelled a high-ranking Indian diplomat allegedly linked with Indian foreign intelligence.
In response, the Indian authorities ordered a senior Canadian diplomat to leave the country.
The Indian Foreign Ministry later urged its citizens planning to visit or currently in Canada to exercise extra caution in view of the growing anti-India activities.
(UNI)
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