Ontario, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has voiced concerns over the Indian government’s recent actions affecting Canadian diplomats, causing disruptions for millions in both nations.

According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, Trudeau’s comments came a day after Canada announced the withdrawal of 41 diplomats in response to an Indian threat to revoke their status. The tensions escalated when Trudeau revealed last month the involvement of Indian government agents in the assassination of a Sikh leader in Canada in June.

Speaking to reporters in Brampton, Ontario, Trudeau stated, “The Indian government is contravening a very basic principle of diplomacy, causing incredible difficulty for countless individuals in both India and Canada.”

Trudeau highlighted the potential repercussions of the diplomatic rift, including hindered travel and trade, and obstacles for Indian students in Canada. Approximately two million Canadians, or 5% of the population, have Indian ancestry. Furthermore, India remains the largest source of international students for Canada, accounting for about 40% of study permit holders.

In light of the ongoing dispute concerning the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, in Vancouver last June – which Canada claims had Indian government involvement – both the United States and Britain have called on India to maintain its diplomatic relations with Canada. The U.S. State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, expressed concerns about the withdrawal of Canadian diplomats from India, emphasizing the importance of on-ground diplomats to resolve such disputes. The statement from the U.S. also highlighted India’s obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Similarly, a spokesperson for Britain’s Foreign Office stated their disagreement with the decisions leading to the departure of Canadian diplomats from India.