<p>The United States and Britain on Friday (Oct 20) appealed to India not to push Canada for reducing its diplomatic presence in New Delhi and expressed their concern over the pull out of 41 diplomats by Ottawa amid the ongoing dispute over the killing of Khalistani terrorist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar.<br />
<br />
Canada had alleged that the Indian government was involved in the murder of Nijjar which took place in Vancouver in June. India has&nbsp;refuted the allegations.<br />
<br />
"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," said US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.<br />
<br />
"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. 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.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parity-not-violation-of-global-norms-india-hits-back-at-canada-says-it-upholds-vienna-convention-649221"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>'Parity not violation of international norms': India hits back at Canada, says it upholds Vienna Convention</a></p>

<p>Washington had earlier stated that it took the allegations of Canada seriously and had appealed to India to co-operate with Canada in investigating the killing of Nijjar. The analysts have suggested that the US and the UK do not wish to damage relations with India, which they see as a counterbalance to their rival Asian nation China.<br />
<br />
However, the statements released by the US State Department and Britain's Foreign Office on Friday have so far been the most direct criticism made by them over New Delhi on the issue.<br />
<br />
"We do not agree with the decisions taken by the Indian government that have resulted in a number of Canadian diplomats departing India," stated a spokesperson for Britain's Foreign Office.<br />
<br />
Recently, Canada withdrew its 41 diplomats from India after Ottawa was asked by New Delhi to cut down its diplomatic presence following a row over Nijjar's killing. On Friday, Canada stated that it was suspending in-person operations at consulates in various cities of India for some time and said that there could be delays in visa processing.<br />
<br />
Citing the Vienna Convention, Britain's Foreign Office said, "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."</p>

<h2><strong>Trudeau says 'India violating Vienna Convention'</strong></h2>

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the decision of India to revoke diplomatic immunity to 41 Canadian diplomats in India was a “violation of the Vienna Convention governing diplomacy” and added that it would impact “millions of Canadians who trace their origins to the Indian subcontinent.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Canadian minister dodges direct question on Nijjar killing evidence | WION</strong></p>

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<p>While addressing an event in the town of Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area or GTA on Friday (Oct 20), Trudeau stated, “The actions that the Government of India took this week are themselves contrary to international law. The Government of India decided to unilaterally revoke the diplomatic immunity of 40 Canadian diplomats in India. This is a violation of the Vienna Convention governing diplomacy. This is them choosing to contravene a very fundamental principle of international law and diplomacy.”<br />
<br />
Further speaking about the Indo-Canadian diaspora, he said, “It also has very real impacts on the millions of people who travel back and forth between India, as students, as family members, for weddings, for businesses, for the growing trade ties between our countries.”<br />
<br />
Earlier, the Indian foreign ministry had stated that it had not violated the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.<br />
<br />
"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," said the ministry, in a statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United States and Britain on Friday (Oct 20) appealed to India not to push Canada for reducing its diplomatic presence in New Delhi and expressed their concern over the pull out of 41 diplomats by Ottawa amid the ongoing dispute over the killing of Khalistani terrorist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The United States and Britain on Friday (Oct 20) appealed to India not to push Canada for reducing its diplomatic presence in New Delhi and expressed their concern over the pull out of 41 diplomats by Ottawa amid the ongoing dispute over the killing of Khalistani terrorist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canada had alleged that the Indian government was involved in the murder of Nijjar which took place in Vancouver in June. India has refuted the allegations. "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," said US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. "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. 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. ALSO READ | 'Parity not violation of international norms': India hits back at Canada, says it upholds Vienna Convention Washington had earlier stated that it took the allegations of Canada seriously and had appealed to India to co-operate with Canada in investigating the killing of Nijjar. The analysts have suggested that the US and the UK do not wish to damage relations with India, which they see as a counterbalance to their rival Asian nation China. However, the statements released by the US State Department and Britain's Foreign Office on Friday have so far been the most direct criticism made by them over New Delhi on the issue. "We do not agree with the decisions taken by the Indian government that have resulted in a number of Canadian diplomats departing India," stated a spokesperson for Britain's Foreign Office. Recently, Canada withdrew its 41 diplomats from India after Ottawa was asked by New Delhi to cut down its diplomatic presence following a row over Nijjar's killing. On Friday, Canada stated that it was suspending in-person operations at consulates in various cities of India for some time and said that there could be delays in visa processing. Citing the Vienna Convention, Britain's Foreign Office said, "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." Trudeau says 'India violating Vienna Convention' Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the decision of India to revoke diplomatic immunity to 41 Canadian diplomats in India was a “violation of the Vienna Convention governing diplomacy” and added that it would impact “millions of Canadians who trace their origins to the Indian subcontinent.” Watch | Canadian minister dodges direct question on Nijjar killing evidence | WION While addressing an event in the town of Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area or GTA on Friday (Oct 20), Trudeau stated, “The actions that the Government of India took this week are themselves contrary to international law. The Government of India decided to unilaterally revoke the diplomatic immunity of 40 Canadian diplomats in India. This is a violation of the Vienna Convention governing diplomacy. This is them choosing to contravene a very fundamental principle of international law and diplomacy.” Further speaking about the Indo-Canadian diaspora, he said, “It also has very real impacts on the millions of people who travel back and forth between India, as students, as family members, for weddings, for businesses, for the growing trade ties between our countries.” Earlier, the Indian foreign ministry had stated that it had not violated the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. "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," said the ministry, in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US, UK support Canada amid row with India over curtailed diplomatic presence

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs, on Thursday (Oct 5), addressed several issues including the security of Indian diplomats in the United Kingdom, the reduction in Canadian diplomats, and the shutdown of the Afghan embassy in India.</p>

<h2><strong>India demands parity in diplomatic presence with Canada</strong></h2>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs, on Thursday (Oct 5), demanded 'parity' in diplomatic presence with Canada citing their continued "interference" in India's "internal matters".</p>

<p>During a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "Given the much higher presence of diplomats or diplomatic presence here...and their continued interference in our internal matters, we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence. Discussions are ongoing on the modalities of achieving this".</p>

<p>"Given that Canadian diplomatic presence is higher, we would assume that there would be a reduction," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-justin-trudeaus-unprofessional-behaviour-in-parliament-draws-widespread-criticism-online-642993">Trudeau's 'unprofessional' behaviour in Parliament draws widespread criticism</a></p>

<p>"It's up to the Canadian side, who they choose to staff the High Commission with...our concerns are related to ensuring parity in diplomatic presence," Bagchi said on being asked if the reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats could see a decrease in the number of visas issued by the Canadian High Commission in India.</p>

<h2><strong>Security of Indian diplomats in UK</strong></h2>

<p>Bagchi said that India has been taking up concerns about the security of Indian diplomats and premises with the UK authorities.</p>

<p>"We have been taking up concerns about the security of our diplomats and our premises and other elements related to people there who are, wanted by our security or our judicial systems and we will continue to do that. And that's an ongoing conversation. I don't want to get into individual persons," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "In the UK, there was a protest on 2nd October, and we certainly have taken up our concerns on the security of diplomats and premises there with the UK authorities. And this has been an ongoing thing. The issue is about security,… <a href="https://t.co/TwMKozqcPi">pic.twitter.com/TwMKozqcPi</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1709892798382764531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the UK, there was a protest on 2nd October, and we certainly have taken up our concerns on the security of diplomats and premises there with the UK authorities. And this has been an ongoing thing. The issue is about security, about ensuring that our diplomats are able to function normally and our premises are safe and that the community is not targeted," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>'Will continue assisting people of Afghanistan,'&nbsp;says MEA on Afghan embassy shutdown</strong></h2>

<p>MEA said that India will continue taking steps to "assist the people of Afghanistan."</p>

<p>"We are also aware that there has been a prolonged absence of the ambassador and that a large number of Afghan diplomats have left India in the recent past. We would hope that a substantial number of Afghan nationals in India, including students, are able to continue to receive necessary consular support. On our part, we will continue with our efforts to assist the people of Afghanistan," said Bagchi.</p>

<p>"However, we received communication last week purportedly from the embassy, indicating that it intends to suspend operations at the end of September. Of course, such a decision is an internal matter of a foreign mission. However, we have noted that the Afghan consulates general in Mumbai and in Hyderabad voiced their objection to that decision or to such a decision," the MEA spokesperson added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The Ministry of External Affairs, on Thursday (Oct 5), addressed several issues including the security of Indian diplomats in the United Kingdom, the reduction in Canadian diplomats, and the shutdown of the Afghan embassy in India.

The Ministry of External Affairs, on Thursday (Oct 5), addressed several issues including the security of Indian diplomats in the United Kingdom, the reduction in Canadian diplomats, and the shutdown of the Afghan embassy in India. India demands parity in diplomatic presence with Canada The Ministry of External Affairs, on Thursday (Oct 5), demanded 'parity' in diplomatic presence with Canada citing their continued "interference" in India's "internal matters". During a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "Given the much higher presence of diplomats or diplomatic presence here...and their continued interference in our internal matters, we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence. Discussions are ongoing on the modalities of achieving this". "Given that Canadian diplomatic presence is higher, we would assume that there would be a reduction," he added. Also read: Trudeau's 'unprofessional' behaviour in Parliament draws widespread criticism "It's up to the Canadian side, who they choose to staff the High Commission with...our concerns are related to ensuring parity in diplomatic presence," Bagchi said on being asked if the reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats could see a decrease in the number of visas issued by the Canadian High Commission in India. Security of Indian diplomats in UK Bagchi said that India has been taking up concerns about the security of Indian diplomats and premises with the UK authorities. "We have been taking up concerns about the security of our diplomats and our premises and other elements related to people there who are, wanted by our security or our judicial systems and we will continue to do that. And that's an ongoing conversation. I don't want to get into individual persons," he said. #WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "In the UK, there was a protest on 2nd October, and we certainly have taken up our concerns on the security of diplomats and premises there with the UK authorities. And this has been an ongoing thing. The issue is about security,… pic.twitter.com/TwMKozqcPi — ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2023 × "In the UK, there was a protest on 2nd October, and we certainly have taken up our concerns on the security of diplomats and premises there with the UK authorities. And this has been an ongoing thing. The issue is about security, about ensuring that our diplomats are able to function normally and our premises are safe and that the community is not targeted," he added. 'Will continue assisting people of Afghanistan,' says MEA on Afghan embassy shutdown MEA said that India will continue taking steps to "assist the people of Afghanistan." "We are also aware that there has been a prolonged absence of the ambassador and that a large number of Afghan diplomats have left India in the recent past. We would hope that a substantial number of Afghan nationals in India, including students, are able to continue to receive necessary consular support. On our part, we will continue with our efforts to assist the people of Afghanistan," said Bagchi. "However, we received communication last week purportedly from the embassy, indicating that it intends to suspend operations at the end of September. Of course, such a decision is an internal matter of a foreign mission. However, we have noted that the Afghan consulates general in Mumbai and in Hyderabad voiced their objection to that decision or to such a decision," the MEA spokesperson added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

MEA briefing: India reiterates demand for parity in diplomatic presence with Canada

Defending Britain's withdrawal from Afghanistan after the Taliban swept across the country, UK foreign minister Dominic Raab said intelligence assessment indicated that Kabul's fall this year was unlikely.

Dominic Raab: Intel said Kabul won't fall this year, UK wants diplomatic presence in Afghanistan

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