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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
As per information from sources within the Indian intelligence establishment, New Delhi has communicated to the Canadian government its intention to withdraw diplomatic immunity for Canadian diplomats it wishes to expel if they remain in India beyond the specified deadline.
NEW DELHI: India seems in no mood to forgive Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for “baselessly” alleging Indian hand in the killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and looks determined to step up the pressure on Ottawa to act against Khalistani elements.
Even as Trudeau, after declaring he wanted some Indian officials to be punished, now maintains he wants to build good relations with New Indian, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the North American nation to recall 41 of its diplomats by October 10.
According to sources in the Indian intelligence establishment, New Delhi has written to the Canadian government that it will revoke diplomatic immunity provided to the Canadian diplomats it wants out if they stay in India beyond the given deadline.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has refused to comment on the report, but it is understood that Canada had 62 diplomats in India, which is more than the number of Indian diplomats in Canada.
This is the second time in recent months that India has asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence in India.
Last week, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India had informed Canadians that there should be parity in strength and rank equivalence in the diplomatic presence of the two countries. He said that the number of Canadian diplomats in India was much higher than the number of Indian diplomats in Canada.
The diplomatic row between India and Canada began in June, when Nijjar was killed in Canada. Trudeau had said that his government was investigating “credible allegations” of a “potential link” between Nijjar’s killers and the Indian government.
India had rejected this allegation as “absurd” and “baseless” in a brief statement.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that India is open to looking at any information that Canada shares on the matter. However, he has also stressed that the growing climate of violence and intimidation against Indians in Canada is unacceptable.
“Let’s not normalise what is happening in Canada. Just think about it. We have had smoke bombs thrown at the mission. We have had violence in front of our consulates. Individuals have been targeted and intimidated. There are posters put up about people. So, tell me, do you consider this normal? If this had happened to any other country, how would they react?” he had said at a gathering in New York.
Experts highlight that despite repeated calls for support, Canada finds itself alone in the international arena. Its Western allies have refrained from pressurising New Delhi and have issued identical statements expressing “concerns” and urging “cooperation”.
