Canada Accuses India Of 'Violating International Laws' By Expelling 41 Diplomats

In the midst of the ongoing dispute with India, Canada's Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, has expressed her concern over India's decision to strip the diplomatic immunity of 41 diplomats, which she views as a breach of international law. Canada, however, has no intention of responding in kind to avoid further exacerbating the situation.

Joly stated, "Revoking the diplomatic immunity of 41 diplomats is not only unprecedented but also contrary to international law." This development coincides with Canada's decision to recall 41 diplomats and their 42 family members from India.

According to reports from the news agency AFP, Melanie Joly revealed that India had plans to "unethically" revoke diplomatic immunity for all but 21 of Canada's diplomats and their families by the upcoming Friday, which led Ottawa to recall the remaining personnel.

This move followed India's suspension of visa operations for Canada and its call for a reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats stationed in India, citing the need for 'parity' in response to the diplomatic conflict between the two nations.

"As of now, 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 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..''Joly said.

Melanie Joly emphasized, "We have facilitated their safe departure from India. This implies that our diplomats and their families have relinquished their diplomatic immunities. The diplomatic immunities are essential for protecting diplomats, regardless of their origin or assignment location. They enable diplomats to carry out their duties without fear of retaliation or arrest by the host country."

"Diplomatic immunities are a cornerstone of diplomacy, and they operate on the principle of reciprocity. They can only function effectively if all nations adhere to these regulations. Unilaterally revoking diplomatic privileges and immunities is in violation of international law. It constitutes a clear breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and the threat to do so is unreasonable and escalatory. Should we permit the breach of diplomatic immunity norms, diplomats worldwide would face peril," she stated. Joly concluded that Canada will not reciprocate in kind, as reported by CTV news.