New Delhi planned to waive diplomatic immunity for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and their family members by Friday. As a result, Ottawa recalled other diplomats, said Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly.
“We helped them leave India safely,” Ms Joly said. “This means that our diplomats and their family members have already left.”
Relations between India and Canada have soured since Ottawa said last month that Indian intelligence was involved in the June killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver.
HS Nijjar campaigned for a Sikh state separate from India.
Canada has called on India to cooperate with the investigation, but New Delhi has rejected the allegations and retaliated with measures such as suspending visas to Canadians.
Ottawa also sent one Indian diplomat.
India’s foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jayashankar, said in New York last month that his country would like to examine all the evidence provided by Canada.
“In fact, we remind Canadians of this all the time. We have given them a lot of information about organized crime leaders,” Jaishankar said, referring to the Sikh separatists.
“A situation has arisen where our diplomats are threatened, our consulates are attacked, and comments are often made that interfere with our politics,” he added.
About 770 thousand people live in Canada. Sikhs, they make up about 2 percent. of the country’s population. One group of them calls for the creation of a separate state of Khalistan.
Last month, hundreds of Sikh protesters gathered outside India’s diplomatic missions in Canada, burning flags and trampling pictures of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We’re not safe at home in Punjab, we’re not safe in Canada,” said Joe Hotha, a member of Toronto’s Sikh community.
The Sikh separatist movement in India itself is largely suppressed. In the 1990s, Indian security forces used lethal force to quell a Sikh insurgency.
window.fbAsyncInit = function() {
FB.init({
appId: ‘117218911630016’,
version: ‘v2.10’,
status: true,
cookie: false,
xfbml: true
});
};
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) {
return;
}
js = d.createElement(s);
js.id = id;
js.src = “https://connect.facebook.net/lt_LT/sdk.js”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
#Canada #recalled #diplomats #India
**Interview with Foreign Affairs Analyst, Dr. Anjali Kapoor**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kapoor. Let’s dive right into the recent diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. New Delhi announced plans to waive diplomatic immunity for most Canadian diplomats. What implications does this have for diplomatic relations?
**Dr. Kapoor:** Thank you for having me. The waiver of diplomatic immunity for the majority of Canadian diplomats is a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions. It essentially undermines the protection diplomats typically enjoy, which can lead to uncertainty and insecurity for those remaining in India. This situation could further strain relations, particularly as both nations navigate their mutual accusations.
**Interviewer:** Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly mentioned that Ottawa has recalled its diplomats and facilitated their safe exit from India. How does this reflect Canada’s approach to the current crisis?
**Dr. Kapoor:** Canada’s decision to recall diplomats is indicative of a strong response to perceived threats against their personnel. It shows that Canada is prioritizing the safety of its diplomats amidst worsening relations. By facilitating their safe exit, the Canadian government is also sending a clear message that it will not tolerate any undue risks to its diplomatic mission.
**Interviewer:** The situation escalated after accusations surfaced regarding Indian intelligence’s involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. How do you see this impacting the diaspora in both countries?
**Dr. Kapoor:** The implications for the diaspora are profound. This incident could heighten fears and tensions within the Sikh community in Canada, which has historically raised concerns about India’s handling of separatist movements. Conversely, in India, it could lead to an uptick in nationalism and scrutiny of the Indian diaspora. The repercussions could be felt at community levels, affecting relationships and interactions between individuals from these two nations.
**Interviewer:** Relations have deteriorated considerably, especially with India suspending visas for Canadians. What steps can be taken to mend these ties?
**Dr. Kapoor:** Mending ties will require extensive dialogue and a commitment to addressing the underlying issues, including the recent allegations and historical grievances. Both governments should consider diplomatic channels, possibly re-establishing back-channel communications. Building mutual trust and understanding is essential, and initiatives that foster people-to-people connections could also aid in easing tensions.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Kapoor. It’s a complex situation, and we appreciate your expertise.
**Dr. Kapoor:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial for both nations to navigate this carefully to avoid further escalation.
