India calls for Canada to repatriate 41 diplomats amid diplomatic fallout
By Quinn Patrick
The Indian government is demanding the withdrawal of 41 Canadian diplomats as part of the ongoing fallout between the two countries after Prime Minister Trudeau accused the Indian government of having a hand in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
Currently, Canada has 62 diplomats in India – after repatriation only 21 diplomats would remain.
On Tuesday, Trudeau declined to comment in Ottawa as to what his plans would be regarding India’s demand to have the bulk of Canada’s diplomats repatriated by Oct. 10.
One source said that India may revoke diplomatic immunity from any Canadian diplomats who remain in their country after their proposed deadline, according to the Financial Times.
When Trudeau was asked if his government would retaliate by removing Indian diplomats, he responded, “We’re not looking to escalate, as I’ve said, we’re going to be doing the work that matters in continuing to have constructive relations with India through this extremely difficult time.”