Canada Relocates Diplomats from Delhi to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, Report Reveals

07 Oct, 2023

Canada Relocates Diplomats from Delhi to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, Report Reveals

Canada has initiated the evacuation of a substantial portion of its diplomatic personnel stationed in India, with the diplomats being relocated to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. This move comes in response to a deadline set by the Indian government, requiring Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff in the country. The escalation in tensions stems from a diplomatic dispute surrounding the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The dispute ultimately led to the imposition of an October 10 deadline by New Delhi.

A report by the Press Trust of India (PTI) highlights that India's demand for Canada to withdraw several diplomats from its embassies came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made accusations linking Indian agents to the assassination of Khalistani separatist Nijjar in June. India swiftly rejected these allegations, dismissing them as "absurd" and "motivated." In retaliation for Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official, India took the step of removing a senior Canadian diplomat.

According to sources cited by CTV News, the Indian government has insisted that Canada reduce its diplomatic staff in India to a level equivalent to the number of Indian diplomats in Canada. While earlier reports suggested that 41 diplomats would need to leave, sources now indicate that the Indian request aims for parity in diplomatic staff.

The PTI report indicates that the majority of Canadian diplomats stationed in India, outside of Delhi, have been relocated to either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Global Affairs Canada, which oversees the country's diplomatic and consular affairs, previously announced that some diplomats had received threats via various social media platforms. As a precautionary measure, the department decided to temporarily adjust its staff presence in India. This move followed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations that the Indian government was involved in Nijjar's murder.

India, on the other hand, asserted on Thursday that Canada's diplomatic presence in the country must be reduced to achieve parity in terms of diplomatic staff numbers. India further contended that certain Canadian diplomats were interfering in New Delhi's internal affairs, further exacerbating the diplomatic rift triggered by Nijjar's assassination.

Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for India's External Affairs Ministry, revealed that ongoing discussions were being held in New Delhi concerning the arrangements for mutual diplomatic presence. He emphasized that India had no intention of reconsidering its position on this matter. Bagchi noted that because Canada's diplomatic presence in India significantly exceeded India's diplomatic strength in Canada, a reduction in staff was expected. He emphasized that the focus was on ensuring parity in diplomatic strength.

However, when questioned about reports indicating an October 10 deadline set by New Delhi for Ottawa to reduce the number of its diplomats in India, the spokesperson refrained from providing specific details, citing the sensitive nature of diplomatic discussions.

It has been reported that Canada currently has around 60 diplomats stationed in India, while New Delhi is seeking a reduction of at least three dozen diplomats. Regarding whether Canada had shared any information or evidence concerning Nijjar's killing, Bagchi referred to recent statements by India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, indicating that New Delhi would be open to reviewing specific or relevant information if it were shared with the Indian government.