THE UK has slammed India regarding the departure of Canadian diplomats and has insisted that it cooperates in the investigation into the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey.
A spokesperson for the UK’S Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said in a statement: “Resolving differences requires communication and diplomats in respective capitals.
“We do not agree with the decisions taken by the Indian government that have resulted in a number of Canadian diplomats departing India.
“We expect all states to uphold their obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The unilateral removal of the privileges and immunities that provide for the safety and security of diplomats is not consistent with the principles or the effective functioning of the Vienna Convention.”
It also said: “We continue to encourage India to engage with Canada on its independent investigation into the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.”
With both the United States and the UK now having condemned India’s actions and making it clear that India must cooperate with Canada in the investigation into Nijjar’s murder, there is tremendous pressure on India and it remains to be seen how it will act.
UPDATE (OCTOBER 24):
ON Tuesday, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade tweeted: “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.
“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.”
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