“Reject Attempts”: India Slams Canada’s Reasons For Diplomats’ Withdrawal

NDTV News:

New Delhi: The centre today said that no international norms were violated in India seeking parity in the mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa. The statement came just hours after Canada withdrew 41 diplomats accusing India of violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

“We reject any attempt to portray the implementation of parity as a violation of international norms,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

“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,” it added.

India’s decision to seek parity was conveyed to Canada around one month ago, with a target implementation date of 10 October, which was extended till October 20, said sources.

Attempts by Canada to portray this as an “arbitrary” and “overnight” decision is factually inaccurate, the sources added.

Earlier today, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced that 41 diplomats have been recalled from India.

“I can confirm that India has formally conveyed its plan to unethically remove diplomatic immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and dependents in Delhi by tomorrow, October 20. This means 41 Canadian diplomats and their 42 dependents were in danger of having immunity stripped on an arbitrary date. And this would put their personal safety at risk,” she said.