The disparities in staff numbers across Indian and Canadian missions were discussed in a recent dialogue between officials of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Canadian High Commission on September 21.
Canada To Scale Down Mission Staff In India: Sources
Amid escalating tensions related to killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Canadian High Commission will curtail its diplomatic presence in India .
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during a weekly briefing, “We have conveyed to the Canadian government the need for parity in strength and rank equivalence in our diplomatic relationships. The Canadian contingent in India significantly exceeds our representation in Canada. We foresee a reduction from their side.”
In a statement, the High Commission of Canada remarked, “Due to recent events and out of an abundance of caution, we are temporarily adjusting our staff presence in India. All our locations will continue operations with diplomats and locally-engaged staff to ensure uninterrupted business and operational continuity.”
