The U.S. Expresses Concern Over the Departure of Canadian Diplomats from India

On Friday, the U.S. State Department expressed concern over the departure of Canadian diplomats from India in response to the Indian government's request to reduce Canada's diplomatic presence. This tension in relations between Canada and India arose over the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in the suburbs of Vancouver. The U.S. stated that resolving disputes requires diplomats on the ground and urged India not to insist on reducing Canada's diplomatic presence and to cooperate in the ongoing investigations in Canada. Tensions between the two countries escalated after Canada accused India of being involved in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated last month in Parliament that there are 'credible allegations' of India's involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh leader. The U.S. State Department also expressed its expectation that India will adhere to its commitments under the 1961 Vienna Convention regarding diplomatic relations, including the privileges and immunities of members of Canada's diplomatic mission. Earlier, India had requested Canada to withdraw 41 of its 62 diplomats from the country. An American diplomat noted that 'Five Eyes' intelligence revealed a possible connection between India and the murder of the Sikh separatist.