In a stern move escalating the diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, the Indian government has issued a clear warning to its Canadian counterpart: reduce the number of diplomats in India by a significant margin or face the potential shutdown of consulates.

India has demanded that Canada repatriate around 40 of its diplomats by the 10th of October. It further added that should these diplomats remain beyond the stipulated deadline, their diplomatic immunity would be revoked, exposing them to potential legal implications in India.

While the Indian government is yet to publicly comment on these developments, credible sources have come forward with insights into the matter. A recent report from the Financial Times quoted an insider, revealing that Canada currently has a total of 62 diplomats stationed in India. New Delhi's demand means reducing this number by nearly two-thirds, leaving only 21 Canadian diplomats in India.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely. What remains to be seen is how Canada will respond to India's assertive stance and whether diplomatic relations between the two countries can be salvaged without further strain.

Further complicating the diplomatic ties between India and Canada, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has intensified its demand. A report from Times Now cites anonymous sources stating that the MEA has given Canada an ultimatum: ensure parity in the number of diplomats in each other's territories or face potential consulate shutdowns.

This move is set against a backdrop of already fraying diplomatic relations between the two nations. The relationship took a hit recently when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged an 'Indian link' to the assassination of Khalistani extremist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Surrey, British Columbia, in June. This allegation was met with swift denial and strong rebuke from New Delhi, further straining the bilateral ties.

Amidst the controversy, India has made its stance clear on diplomatic representation. It has reiterated its request for 'parity' – an equal number and grade of diplomats posted reciprocally by both nations. This is seen as a move by India to assert its position and demand respect and equivalence in diplomatic matters.

The unfolding situation underscores the sensitive and potentially volatile nature of international diplomacy. It remains to be observed how Canada navigates this demand, and if the two nations can find common ground to maintain their historically friendly relationship.

As diplomatic tensions continue to simmer between India and Canada, New Delhi has now alleged that Canadian diplomats posted in India have been meddling in the nation's internal matters. The allegations come amidst an ongoing dispute between the two nations over the number and rank of diplomats they post to each other's countries.

India's concerns are straightforward, as elucidated by Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs. "Their numbers here are vastly disproportionate compared to India's diplomatic presence in Canada... We have noticed unwarranted Canadian diplomatic interventions in our internal matters. Taking this into account, we are actively seeking parity in both rank and strength of diplomatic personnel. We anticipate the Canadian contingent will need to decrease," Bagchi mentioned.

His statements confirm the ongoing discussions between the two countries aimed at resolving this contentious issue. It emphasizes India's stance on mutual respect and fairness in diplomatic engagements. The allegations of interference by Canadian diplomats add another layer of complexity to an already intricate diplomatic tangle. One can only hope that dialogue and understanding will pave the way for a harmonious resolution.

Following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's contentious remarks last month, India has not only vehemently dismissed these allegations as "absurd" and "motivated" but has also underscored that Canada has not substantiated its claims with public evidence concerning the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In what is seen as a direct repercussion of Trudeau's contentious statements, India made the bold decision to suspend visa services for Canadian nationals on 21 September. They cited "security threats" being faced by the Indian High Commission and consulates in Canada.

Speaking on the suspension, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar conveyed the depth of India's concerns and its reasons for such a move. "Our decision was driven by necessity. There has been a discernible promotion of hate and violence against our diplomats and consulates in Canada. The prevailing atmosphere raised questions about how people could safely visit the visa office and complete their tasks. This isn't just a mere administrative concern. It's a matter of law and order, rooted in the Vienna Convention," Jaishankar remarked.

This development underlines the heightened state of tensions between the two nations, with both sides currently working towards finding a diplomatic solution. The world watches closely as the two nations navigate these choppy waters.

Jaishankar Highlights Threats to Indian Diplomats in Canada

In the latest twist to the burgeoning diplomatic row between India and Canada, India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, has clarified the reasons behind the recent suspension of visa services for Canadian nationals. Elucidating on the concerns faced by Indian officials in Canada, he stated that the suspension was a direct response to the tangible threats of violence that Indian diplomats and officials were encountering.

Jaishankar stressed the significance of the Vienna Convention in this context, which mandates that every nation is bound to ensure the safety of foreign embassies and their staff within its territory. "It's crucial to recognize that the onus of security isn't bilateral. The challenges we're currently facing aren't occurring in India but in Canada. The alarming rise in social media threats, on-the-ground protests, and outright threats is happening on Canadian soil. It's imperative that the Canadian government acknowledges this and takes decisive action," Jaishankar commented.

This lucid call for action echoes India's insistence on the importance of maintaining the sanctity of diplomatic relations and the safety of its officials abroad. The unfolding scenario further underscores the intricacies of international diplomacy and the need for countries to uphold their international obligations.