THE United States administered an apparent rebuke to India regarding the departure of 41 Canadian diplomats from that country after the Indian government withdrew their diplomatic immunity.

The U.S. once again urged India to cooperate in the ongoing Canadian investigation regarding the alleged involvement of Indian agents in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey.

The U.S. Department of State’s spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement: “We are concerned by the departure of Canadian diplomats from India, in response to the Indian government’s demand of Canada to significantly reduce its diplomatic presence in India.”

Noting that “resolving differences requires diplomats on the ground,” Miller added: “We have urged the Indian government not to insist upon a reduction in Canada’s diplomatic presence and to cooperate in the ongoing Canadian investigation.”

He said: “We expect India to uphold its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, including with respect to privileges and immunities enjoyed by accredited members of Canada’s diplomatic mission.”

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