Canada Withdraws 41 Diplomats From India Amid Huge Diplomatic Row

Canada has recalled 41 of its diplomats from India following the revocation of their diplomatic immunity, intensifying a conflict regarding the slaying of a Sikh separatist in Canada.

In a recent development that has escalated the diplomatic tension between Canada and India, Canada's foreign minister Mélanie Joly announced on Thursday that 41 of its diplomats have been recalled from India. This decision comes in response to the Indian government's announcement of revoking their diplomatic immunity. The ongoing spat is linked to the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, in suburban Vancouver.

The Canadian authorities have alleged that India might be involved in Nijjar's killing which took place in June. However, India has dismissed these allegations as 'absurd' and accused Canada of harboring separatists and "terrorists". In retaliation to these accusations, India took diplomatic steps expressing its anger over the allegation.

Impact on Diplomatic Relations

Joly informed that out of 62 Canadian diplomats stationed in India, 41 have been removed along with their dependents leaving behind only 21 exceptions who will continue to stay. She added that this step was necessary as stripping away their immunity would put their personal safety at risk. Furthermore, she stated that removing diplomatic immunity goes against international law and hence Canada wouldn't reciprocate this action towards Indian diplomats.

Affect on Services

This move by India is expected to impact services provided to citizens of both countries. As a result, Canada has decided to pause its in-person services across three major cities in India. Arindam Bagchi from the Ministry of External Affairs had earlier called for a reduction in Canadian diplomats claiming they outnumbered Indian staff members present in Canada.

Nijjar’s Killing: A Point Of Contention

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned last month about 'credible allegations' regarding possible Indian involvement in Nijjar's killing. The 45-year-old Sikh leader was murdered by masked gunmen in Surrey, outside Vancouver. India had previously accused Nijjar, an Indian-born Canadian citizen, of having links to terrorism - a claim that Nijjar denied.

Escalation Of Tensions

The recent expulsions by India have further heightened the tensions between the two countries. A trade mission to India planned for this fall was canceled by Canada following frosty encounters between Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent G20 meeting in New Delhi. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also met with India's foreign minister amid this ongoing row.

Impact on Immigration

Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that due to India's decision to remove immunity, Canada's immigration department will be reducing the number of Canadian employees stationed in India significantly. This is notable as he pointed out earlier this year that India topped the list for permanent residents, temporary foreign workers and international students in Canada.

In conclusion, while both nations are trying not to escalate these tensions further, it remains uncertain how long it will take before relations normalize completely. As allegations continue and diplomatic ties strain further, citizens from both countries could face inconveniences until a resolution is reached.