New Zealand concerned about India asking Canada to reduce diplomatic presence
New Zealand has expressed concern over New Delhi asking Canada to reduce diplomatic presence, saying that the situations around the globe require more diplomacy
- World News
- 2 min read
New Zealand has expressed concern over New Delhi asking Canada to reduce diplomatic presence, saying that the situations around the globe require more diplomacy. New Zealand said that it expects all the countries to follow the Vienna Convention.
India had asked Canada to reduce diplomatic presence after a diplomatic stand-off between the two countries which kicked off after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had claimed India’s hand in the killing of designated Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India asked Canada to call back around 40 diplomats post this.
New Zealand’s foreign ministry has claimed that it was concerned regarding huge numbers of Canadian diplomats leaving India after the escalation. “We are concerned that India's demand that Canada reduce its diplomatic presence there has led to the departure of a large number of Canadian diplomats from India. Now seems the time for more diplomacy, not less,” said New Zealand’s foreign ministry in a post on X.
“We expect all states to uphold their obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, including in relation to the privileges and immunities of accredited staff,” it added.
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We are concerned India’s demand that Canada reduce its diplomatic presence there has led to the departure of a large number of Canadian diplomats from India. Now seems the time for more diplomacy, not less. (1/2)
— New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (@MFATNZ) October 25, 2023
India resumes visa services
Post escalation, India had suspended visa services a month ago, which it now aims to “partially resume” starting October 26. New Delhi had suspended the visa services citing safety of Indian diplomats posted in Canada. “Services will resume for entry visa, business visa, medical visa, and conference visa,” the Indian High Commission in Ottawa said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has earlier hinted that India may resume visa services to Canada if India sees progress in the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada.