London, Oct 21: United Kingdom ( UK ) has shown its disagreement with India's action after the India-Canada diplomatic standoff which resulted in the departure of 41 Canadian diplomats from India and called for resolution of differences through discussion.

 

 

 

 

In a press statement on Friday, UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said, "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." UK further emphasised that the UK expect India to uphold its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noting the removal of immunities of diplomats, it said, "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." The statement read further, "We continue to encourage India to engage with Canada on its independent investigation into the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar." The US has expressed concerns over the departure of 41 Canadian diplomats from India and urged the Indian government not to insist on reducing Canada's diplomatic presence.

 

 

 

 

During a press briefing on Friday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "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." US further urged the Indian government to cooperate in the ongoing Canadian investigation. Noting that resolving differences requires diplomats on the ground, Miller said, "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."

 

 

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