Washington - According to Reuters, the United States expressed its grave concern regarding Canada's allegations and called on India to cooperate with Canada in the investigation of Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the US State Department, addressed the situation, emphasizing the seriousness with which they take these allegations. He also expressed unease about the departure of Canadian diplomats from India in response to the Indian government's request for a significant reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the British Foreign Office voiced their disagreement with the decisions made by the Indian government, which led to the departure of several Canadian diplomats from India.

These statements came in the wake of Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly's announcement that 41 Canadian diplomats and their 42 family members had been withdrawn from India. This move was attributed to concerns that their diplomatic immunity might be arbitrarily revoked, putting their personal safety at risk.

Both the United Kingdom and the United States referred to the Vienna Convention in their responses. The US State Department stressed the importance of India upholding its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. They further urged India to cooperate with the ongoing Canadian investigation into the killing of Nijjar, emphasizing that the unilateral removal of privileges and immunities for diplomats is inconsistent with the principles and effective functioning of the Vienna Convention. The British Foreign Office echoed a similar sentiment in their statement.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized the Indian government for making life difficult for millions of people in both India and Canada after the withdrawal of Canadian diplomats.

This diplomatic standoff between India and Canada emerged in September, with Trudeau suggesting a potential link between the Indian government and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan leader. India strongly denied these allegations.

Canada has contended that India's request for diplomatic parity goes against international law, while India's Ministry of External Affairs maintained that their actions are consistent with Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. India had called on Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff in the country, arguing for parity in terms of strength and rank equivalence in their mutual diplomatic presence.

News Courtesy Reuters