India’s decision to reduce Canadian diplomats aims to achieve parity, amidst an ongoing dispute.

New Delhi has asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence in the Indian capital in order to achieve “parity” with Ottawa, according to the external affairs ministry. The request comes amid an ongoing diplomatic row between the two countries, with India already suspending visa services to Canada. India’s external affairs ministry spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, stated that discussions are underway to determine the modalities of achieving this reduction. Bagchi also emphasized that India’s primary focus is on creating a conducive atmosphere in Canada for Indian diplomats to work and achieving parity in diplomatic strength. The strained ties between India and Canada stem from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has rejected these allegations as “absurd” and “motivated.” In response, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, mirroring Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official over the case. India has designated Nijjar as a terrorist, and he was killed in Canada in June.

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