National

India warned of ending diplomatic immunity, Canada summoned its 41 diplomats

News On Time Desk 20 October 2023

New Delhi: Earlier, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had demanded reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats from India and said that their number is more than the number of Indian diplomats serving in Canada. Canada on Thursday removed 41 of its country's diplomats from service in New Delhi after India warned of removing the immunity given to Canadian diplomats. Canada has alleged that India may have a hand in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in suburban Vancouver. Since then, tension has increased in relations between India and Canada. The Associated Press (AP) had earlier reported that India has asked Canada to remove 41 of its 62 diplomats. After this, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Jolly said on Thursday that 41 diplomats have been removed from service in India. Jolly said the remaining 21 Canadian diplomats are exceptions and will remain in India. Jolly said removing diplomatic immunity is against international law and that is why Canada will not retaliate. Earlier, India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had demanded India to reduce the number of Canadian diplomats and said that their number is more than the number of Indian diplomats serving in Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had last month alleged that there was a possibility of "Indian involvement" in the murder of 45-year-old Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has been saying for many years that Nijjar, a Canadian citizen of Indian origin, was involved in terrorist activities.