Despite exceeding the October 10 ultimatum given by the Indian government to draw down its diplomatic presence by about two-thirds, all or almost all Canadian diplomats still remain in India, as per a report by CBC news.
As per a report published by Financial Times on Oct. 3, India demanded for "parity" in the numbers of diplomats present in the two countries where India claimed to have only 21 accredited diplomats in Canada while they had 62 in India including the High Commission in New Delhi and four consulates in Mumbai, Chandigarh, Kolkata and Bengaluru.
Earlier, New Delhi had given Canada a deadline of October 10 to withdraw its 41 diplomats in a bid to make the two diplomatic contingents equal in size. It was asserted by the Centre that in case of failure to do the same, the diplomats would lose their diplomatic immunity from arrest and prosecution.
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Since that date, Canadian officials had refused to answer questions about Canada's intentions or the whereabouts or movements of Canadian diplomats.
On Wednesday, Canadian media has reported that “almost all” Canadian diplomats are still posted in India even as the Oct 10 deadline set by New Delhi for some of them to leave has passed two days ago.
Citing an unnamed senior Canadian government source, Canadian media outlet CBC News said “Canada remains in discussions with India, and has allowed the deadline to pass without complying with India’s demand.”
