“We invoked parity because we had concerns about continuous interference in our affairs by Canadian personnel,” Jaishankar said.
His remarks came after India expelled 41 Canadian diplomats from the country amid a row between the two sides following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. India has strongly rejected the charges. The diplomats have left the country.
Canada had reacted strongly to India’s move to expel its diplomats, saying that New Delhi violated international norms. However, India insisted that ensuring two-way diplomatic parity is fully consistent with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
Canada confirms 41 diplomats have left India after New Delhi said it will withdraw diplomatic immunity
Pointing this out again, Jaishankar said that diplomatic parity is very much provided for by Vienna convention.
The external affairs minister also said that India is likely to resume issuance of visas to Canadians if it sees progress in the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada.
“If we see progress in safety of our diplomats in Canada, we would like to resume issuance of visas there,” Jaishankar said at an event while replying to a question on India-Canada ties.
Speaking about the diplomatic row, Jaishankar said the relationship between India and Canada right now is going through a “difficult phase”.
He added that India has problems with certain segment of Canadian politics.
(With inputs from PTI)Watch India refutes Canada’s accusation of breaching Vienna Convention: MEA states ‘no violation’ in requesting diplomats’ withdrawal