Canada withdraws 41 diplomats from India following killing of Sikh activist

team | CNN Indonesia

Friday October 20, 2023 11:20 p.m. IWST






Illustration of the Canadian flag. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Tony Webster

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia

Canada withdraws 41 diplomats from Indiafollowing a diplomatic conflict sparked by the murder of a Sikh separatist in Canada.

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said New Delhi had lifted diplomatic immunity for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and their families, forcing Ottawa to recall the remaining diplomats.

“We have facilitated their safe departure from India. This means that our diplomats and their families are now gone,” Joly was quoted as saying by AFP.

Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused Indian intelligence services of being behind the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Nijjar is a Canadian of Indian origin who supports the creation of a Sikh state. He is wanted by Indian authorities for terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder.

“The revocation of the diplomatic immunity of 41 diplomats is not only unprecedented, but also contrary to international law,” Joly said.

He added: “Canada will continue to defend international law, which applies to all countries, and will continue to engage with India. »

In response to this, India’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the government’s efforts to reduce Canada’s diplomatic presence were in line with “international standards.”

(cpa/dna)


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