“When it comes to the improved safety of our diplomats in Canada, we are inclined to consider the resumption of visa issuance,” responded S. Jaishankar when asked about the status of India-Canada relations.
India has cited the principle of diplomatic parity as the reason for its actions regarding Canada’s diplomatic presence in the country, expressing concerns over potential interference in New Delhi’s affairs by Canadian personnel. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed this stance on Sunday, further indicating that India may consider resuming the issuance of visas to Canadians should there be an improvement in the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada.
The relationship between India and Canada experienced significant tension in the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s assertions last month regarding the possible involvement of Indian agents in the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
Shortly after Justin Trudeau’s statements, India announced the temporary suspension of visa issuance to Canadian citizens and requested Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic representation in the country.
Addressing the issue, S. Jaishankar stated at an event that India would consider resuming visa issuance to Canadians if there is notable improvement in the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada.
Regarding the downsizing of Canada’s diplomatic presence in India, he pointed out that diplomatic parity is a fundamental aspect provided for in the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
“Parity is explicitly mandated by the Vienna Convention, which stands as the pertinent international framework governing these matters. In our particular situation, we invoked the principle of parity due to our ongoing concerns about unwarranted interference in our affairs by Canadian personnel,” stated Mr. Jaishankar. the improved safety
Canada has already withdrawn 41 of its diplomats from India.
Responding to this development, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, during her announcement of the diplomats’ return from India, described New Delhi’s actions as “inconsistent with international law” and as a violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. India, however, has refuted these allegations.