Canada withdraws 41 diplomats from India
Kathmandu, 20 Oct: Canada has withdrawn 41 diplomats from India following the latter’s urge to maintain diplomatic parity.
India on October 4th had asked Canada to reduce the diplomatic presence there stating “The principle of reciprocity is being invoked here, and Delhi wants the diplomatic strength to be equal in both countries,” according to Indian express.
Canada confirming the withdrawal has halted its visa and consular services in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru consulates and the services will be available only at the Canadian High Commission in Delhi, it said.
The marked deterioration in Indo-Canada relation is an outcome of Prime Minister Trudeau alleging Indian hand in the killing of a pro-Khalistani Sikh leader in June in British Columbia while India has rejected the allegation calling it ‘absurd and motivated.’