India's Compliance with Vienna Convention Affirmed Amid Diplomatic Dispute

• 23 Oct 2023

Recently, India has rebuffed allegations of violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations after requesting the repatriation of 41 Canadian diplomats.

Key Points

• This response comes in light of Canadian Foreign Minister accusation that India had breached diplomatic norms by seeking a reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats stationed in India.
• India's Stance on Parity: India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that their actions were consistent with Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
• The MEA further accused the Canadian government of maintaining an excessive number of diplomats in India and justified the reduction by pointing to Canada's "continued interference" in India's internal affairs.
• Impact on Consular Services: The reduction in the number of diplomats will temporarily affect Canadian consulates in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with in-person services being halted.
• The Canadian Foreign Minister noted that the decision would affect the levels of services for citizens of both countries.