Diplomatic Row Escalates: India Asks Canada to Recall Nearly 40 Diplomats

The diplomatic tension between India and Canada has escalated further, with India requesting the withdrawal of approximately 40 Canadian diplomats from its territory. 

Sources familiar with the matter, as reported by the Financial Times, have indicated that these diplomats have been instructed to return by October 10, 2023.

Official Response Pending:

Indian authorities have not issued an official statement regarding this development, leaving room for speculation on the unfolding diplomatic situation.

Recent Developments:

These latest events follow a series of actions between the two nations. Earlier, Canada’s High Commission announced plans to “adjust” the number of its diplomats in India. 

This move was met with the suspension of visa processing for Canada by Indian authorities.

Trudeau’s Demand for Seriousness:

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously called on India to take allegations of Indian agents’ involvement in the June murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver with the “utmost seriousness.” This demand for a serious investigation had strained relations between the two countries.

Diplomatic Fallout:

The allegations had triggered a chain reaction of diplomatic expulsions between the two nations. India forcefully denied involvement in Nijjar’s killing, labeling such suggestions “absurd.” 

This diplomatic tension has further strained relations between India, the world’s most populous country, and Canada, a member of the G7, reaching a new low.

The evolving situation calls for continued monitoring as both nations grapple with the complex diplomatic challenges.

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