Sandeep Dikshit
New Delhi, October 21
The US and the UK have backed Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s charge that the expulsion of two-thirds of the Canadian diplomats from India was an “unfriendly act that amounted to a violation of the Vienna Convention governing diplomacy”.
“It is something that all countries in the world should be very worried about,” Trudeau said shortly after India sent home 41 Canadian diplomats to achieve parity with the strength of its diplomats posted in Canada. The move has led to Canada suspending all in-person services at its consulates, including Chandigarh.
Nijjar killing fallout
Canada: “It’s something all countries should be very worried about”
Us: “Urged India not to insist on reduction in diplomatic presence”
UK: “Don’t agree with India’s decisions... all states must uphold obligations under Vienna Convention”
The US, the UK and Canada are members of the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance, reckoned to be the most pervasive surveillance network in the world that even spies on its allies. Its core members are the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Only New Zealand has not rushed to Canada’s defence on the controversy emanating from the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Within rights: India
The Ministry of External Affairs has quoted Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to assert that there is no violation in the implementation of diplomatic parity
The US State Department issued a statement shortly after Trudeau’s statement in which it said that it had urged India not to insist upon a reduction in Canada’s diplomatic presence. Stating that resolving differences requires diplomats to be on the ground, the US supported Canada’s contention that by expelling the diplomats, India did not live up to the obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The UK Foreign Office also made the same point as the US State Department. London also repeated the US and Canadian formulations by asking “all states” to uphold their obligations. The MEA has quoted Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to assert that there is no violation.
The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.
Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.
Most Read In 24 Hours
Don't Miss
View All
Top News
Rahul Gandhi to contest from Raebareli, Congress fields Kishori Lal Sharma against Smriti Irani in Amethi
Since 1967, when Amethi saw its first election Gandhis have ...
BJP drops tainted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh from Kaiserganj, but gives ticket to his son
Congress alleges saffron party rewarded man accused of sexua...
Man gives triple talaq to wife in moving train, then beat her up before fleeing
An FIR was finally lodged and a manhunt launched for the acc...
India lodges protest as Beijing builds infra in PoK’s Shaksgam
Calls it bid to unilaterally alter situation on ground
