In the midst of escalating tensions between India and Canada, India has cited concerns about Canadas “interference in internal affairs” as a basis for seeking diplomatic parity in staff strength. This move comes shortly after Canada decided to withdraw some of its diplomatic personnel as tensions further escalated with India.Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson for Indias Ministry of External Affairs, said, “We have seen Canadian diplomatic interference in our internal affairs. This is a factor that has been taken into account for seeking parity in strength and rank equivalent”. He further added, “Weve informed the government of Canada that there should be parity in strength in our mutual diplomatic presence. Their number is very much higher than ours in Canada. I assume there will be a reduction from the Canadian side”.Downfall in trustThe dipolmatic relationship between India and Canada has reached its lowest level in decades. Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had alleged the involvement of “agents of the Indian government” in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force and one of Indias most-wanted terrorists. India rejected the claim, describing it as “absurd” and “motivated”. In response, both countries expelled a senior diplomat each in a tit-for-tat exchange.#WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, If youre talking about reputational issues and reputational damage, if theres any country that needs to look at this, I think it is Canada and its growing reputation as a place, as a safe haven for terrorists, for extremists, and… pic.twitter.com/F2LZGTJ6b9— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023 Canada has now announced its intention to reduce the number of diplomats in India due to security concerns. Global Affairs Canada cited threats received by some diplomats on social media platforms in the wake of the diplomatic row triggered by Prime Minister Trudeaus claims.#WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, Safe haven is being provided in Canada, we want the Canadian govt to not do so and take action against those who have terrorism charges or send them here to face justice…Weve sought either extradition request or assistance… pic.twitter.com/0ikMJFu8M6— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023 “In the light of the current environment, where tensions have heightened, we are taking action to ensure the safety of our diplomats,” Global Affairs Canada stated. “Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India”.India backfiresIn a reciprocal move, India has suspended visa services to Canadians until further notice. Arindam Bagchi clarified that Indian students studying in Canada would not be affected by Indias visa policies.Image Source – TwitterIn addition to concerns about diplomatic parity, Bagchi also alleged cases of discrimination in the way Canada had granted visas in the past. The situation between India and Canada remains tense, with both countries closely monitoring developments and diplomatic relations at a historic low point.
