The departure of 41 Canadian diplomats from India has got the UK and US chiming in and raising concerns.

The British government has expressed disagreement with the decisions made by the Indian government, which it believes is the reason behind the diplomats' exit.

This comes amidst an ongoing standoff between India and Canada regarding the killing of a Sikh separatist.

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated that the move had an impact on the proper functioning of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, while the US State Department emphasised the importance of having diplomats present to address and resolve any differences.

Canada announced the withdrawal of 41 diplomats in response to an alleged Indian threat to unilaterally revoke their status.

This move comes amidst strained bilateral relations, due to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claims that Indian agents were involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh, in June.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi has vehemently denied the accusation and dismissed any breach of the Vienna Convention regarding the departure of Canadian diplomats.

The MEA rejected any portrayal of the implementation of parity as a violation of international norms.

The FCDO statement in London emphasised that “resolving differences requires communication and diplomats in respective capitals."

"We do not agree with the decisions taken by the Indian government that have resulted in a number of Canadian diplomats departing India,” it said.

“We expect all states to uphold their obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The unilateral removal of the privileges and immunities that provide for the safety and security of diplomats is not consistent with the principles or the effective functioning of the Vienna Convention.

"We continue to encourage India to engage with Canada on its independent investigation into the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar,” it said.

The UK has thus backed Canada, following the US government's backing.

US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said: “We are concerned by the departure of Canadian diplomats from India, in response to the Indian government’s demand of Canada to significantly reduce its diplomatic presence in India. Resolving differences requires diplomats on the ground.

“We have urged the Indian government not to insist upon a reduction in Canada’s diplomatic presence and to cooperate in the ongoing Canadian investigation.”

The MEA said on Friday: “The state of our bilateral relations, the much higher number of Canadian diplomats in India, and their continued interference in our internal affairs warrant a parity in mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa."

The dispute between India and Canada began after Prime Minister Trudeau made a statement in the Canadian Parliament last month, claiming that Indian government agents were involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a leader of the Khalistan Tiger Force and a wanted terrorist in India.

The Ministry of External Affairs strongly denied these allegations, calling them "absurd and motivated."

During a televised press conference on Friday, Trudeau told reporters that the Indian government is making it “unbelievably difficult” for life to continue as usual for millions of people in India and in Canada.

The Canadian authorities earlier cautioned about potential delays in visa processing as a result of reduced staff at the diplomatic mission in India.

Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

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