London - In a recent phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for a de-escalation of the ongoing tensions between India and Canada. According to a statement from Downing Street, Sunak was briefed on the situation concerning Canadian diplomats in India during the conversation.

The statement indicated that Sunak expressed his hope for a reduction in the tensions and agreed to maintain communication with Prime Minister Trudeau regarding the next steps in the matter. Additionally, Sunak reiterated the UK's stance that all nations should uphold principles such as sovereignty and the rule of law, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Meanwhile, Trudeau provided updates on the situation concerning Canadian diplomats in India. The diplomatic relations between India and Canada had deteriorated after the Canadian government expelled a senior Indian diplomat, alleging India's involvement in the assassination of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

In response, India issued a statement denying any involvement and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat. Furthermore, amidst escalating tensions, India called for a balanced number of Canadian diplomats in India. Addressing reports suggesting that India had requested the removal of 41 out of its 62 diplomats in Canada, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi explained that the Canadian diplomatic presence in India is considerably larger, and discussions were ongoing to achieve parity in diplomatic presence. Bagchi noted that due to Canada's higher diplomatic presence, a reduction was expected.