India expels 41 Canadian diplomats

New Delhi: India has taken the unprecedented step of expelling 41 Canadian diplomats from the country.

This move comes as relations between the two nations have become increasingly strained following allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The root of the diplomatic dispute can be traced back to Prime Minister Trudeau's accusations, which implied India's involvement in the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

These allegations have cast a long shadow over bilateral relations, prompting India's drastic response.

Both the Canadian Foreign Ministry and the Indian government have remained tight-lipped about the situation, offering no official comments.

However, it is clear that New Delhi is seeking a form of diplomatic parity concerning the number and rank of diplomats from each country posted in the other's territory.

Reports from the international media suggest that India has given Canada a deadline of October 10 to recall the 41 diplomats.

In the event that this deadline is not met, India has threatened to revoke the diplomatic immunity of the remaining Canadian diplomats.

One key point of contention has been the substantial difference in the number of diplomats posted by both nations.

Canada's High Commission in India maintains a larger diplomatic presence, primarily due to the necessity of providing consular services to the numerous relatives of approximately 1.3 million Canadian citizens residing in India.

According to the media reports, Canada currently has 62 diplomats stationed in India, while India seeks to reduce this number by 41.

This move is seen as an attempt by India to balance the diplomatic playing field.

Indian Foreign Minister Subramaniam Jaishankar has previously expressed concerns about the hostile environment faced by Indian diplomats in Canada.

The presence of Sikh separatist groups in Canada has added to India's unease, as these groups have been accused of promoting violence and intimidation against Indian diplomats.