ISLAMABAD: On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his concerns about the Indian government’s actions against Canadian diplomats, highlighting that these actions are causing hardships for millions of people in both nations and disrupting their everyday lives.
A day after Canada announced the withdrawal of 41 diplomats in response to an Indian threat to unilaterally revoke their diplomatic status, Trudeau addressed the situation. He expressed his concern regarding the Indian government’s actions, emphasizing that they are creating substantial challenges for millions of people in both India and Canada.
Trudeau asserted that India’s actions contravene a fundamental principle of diplomacy.
During a televised press conference in Brampton, Ontario, Trudeau stated, “The Indian government is making it unbelievably difficult for life to proceed as usual for millions of people in India and Canada. They are doing so by disregarding a fundamental principle of diplomacy.” He also expressed his worries about the well-being and happiness of millions of Canadians with roots in the Indian subcontinent.
Trudeau further noted that the expulsion of some Canadian diplomats will hinder travel and trade and create obstacles for Indian students studying in Canada. Approximately two million Canadians, which accounts for 5% of the total population, have Indian heritage. India is the largest source of global students in Canada, constituting approximately 40% of study permit holders.
The Indian foreign ministry, in response, rejected the notion that they had violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Indian Court Rejects Plea To Ban Pakistani Artists In Bollywood
Meanwhile, in a recent decision, India’s court system rejected a petition aimed at banning Pakistani artists from entering the country and also dismissed the request to halt visa issuance to them.
The petition, filed by Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, a self-proclaimed cine worker and artist, voiced concerns about potential job opportunities for Indian artists being impacted by the presence of Pakistani artists during the World Cup.
