Canada informed India of credible allegations concerning Nijjar killing evidence: Foreign Minister

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Canada's Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, addressed a press conference on Thursday, confirming that her government had engaged in numerous conversations with Indian officials regarding the "credible allegations" related to the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This statement followed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks in the Canadian Parliament on this matter.

Joly also commented on the unprecedented decision to remove diplomatic immunities for 41 Canadian diplomats and their dependents in Delhi.

When asked if Canada had presented evidence to support its claims to India, Joly responded, "We've had numerous conversations with India before the Prime Minister went in front of the house and made his declaration. This was not a surprise to the Government of India, and through these different conversations, the Indian officials were made aware of the credible allegations."

She further noted that India's response to this situation was unprecedented and contrary to international law. The decision to revoke diplomatic immunity for 41 diplomats could have far-reaching implications for diplomats worldwide, potentially endangering their personal safety.

Addressing the ongoing diplomatic row between the two nations, Joly announced that Canada had facilitated the safe departure of 41 Canadian diplomats and their 42 dependents from India. This decision was made in light of India's plans to remove diplomatic immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats.

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Joly stressed the importance of diplomatic immunity, highlighting that it allows diplomats to perform their duties without the fear of reprisals or arrests in the host country, and it is a fundamental principle of diplomacy. She emphasized that the unilateral revocation of diplomatic privilege and immunities by India violated international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Canada's Foreign Minister expressed concerns over India's actions, describing them as "unreasonable and escalatory." She asserted that Canada would not reciprocate this action.

During the press conference, it was also mentioned that India's decision to revoke diplomatic immunities would impact the level of services provided to citizens in both countries. In response, in-person services at Canadian consulates in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore were put on hold. Nevertheless, consular assistance remained accessible at the High Commission in Delhi through various means, including phone and email.

Canada's Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister, Marc Miller, revealed that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) would significantly reduce the number of Canadian employees in India, leading to longer processing times and slower services.

IRCC staff, previously numbering 27, would be reduced to just 5, as stated in an IRCC release.

In September, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had alleged that the Indian government was involved in the fatal shooting of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India vehemently denied these claims, characterizing them as "absurd" and "motivated." Notably, Canada has yet to publicly provide evidence to substantiate its allegations concerning Nijjar's killing. (With inputs from ANI)