New Delhi: Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly emphasised the importance of diplomats remaining on the ground, as reported by the Canada-based CAPC.
She made the remarks in response to the question regarding reports claiming that India has asked Canada to remove 41 of its 62 diplomats from the country.
Speaking to reporters, Joly said, “So in moments of tensions, because indeed there are tensions between both of the government more than ever, it’s important that diplomats be on the ground. And that’s why we believe in the importance of having a strong diplomatic footprint in India.That being said, we are in ongoing conversations with the Indian government, and we will continue…,” CPAC reported.
"In moments of tensions—because indeed there are tensions between both our governments—more than ever it's important that diplomats be on the ground," says Foreign Affairs Min. Mélanie Joly when asked re: reports India has asked Canada to remove 41 of its 62 diplomats.#cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/c226XBLW3q
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) October 3, 2023
Earlier, a report indicated that India has officially told Canada to recall approximately 40 diplomats currently stationed in the country. Furthermore, the report suggested that New Delhi has imposed a stringent deadline of October 10 for the diplomats’ return and issued a firm warning that diplomatic immunity could be revoked for those who fail to comply.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Trudeau on Tuesday said his country was not “looking to escalate the situation with India,” adding that Ottawa wants to remain on the ground in New Delhi to help Canadians, Reuters reported.
“Canada is not looking to escalate the situation with India, will continue to engage responsibly and constructively with New Delhi. We want to be on the ground in India to help the Canadian families there,” Reuters quoted PM Trudeau as saying.
Diplomatic tension between the two nations escalated when, during a debate in the Canadian Parliament in September, the Canadian Prime Minister claimed that Canada’s national security officials had reason to believe that “agents of the Indian government” were responsible for the killing of Nijjar. India promptly rejected these claims, denouncing them as “absurd and politically motivated.”
