The Facts
Canada has withdrawn 41 of its diplomats and their families from India after New Delhi threatened to revoke their diplomatic immunity. The move signifies an escalation of the dispute over a Sikh separatist who was killed in Vancouver on June 18.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie confirmed Thursday that the diplomats and their dependents had left India, cutting Canada’s diplomatic presence in India by two-thirds. India had demanded “parity” in the number of diplomats between the two countries since India only had 21 accredited diplomats in Canada compared to the 62 Canada had in India.
The Spin
Narrative A
India’s actions over the last month have put a strain on its relationship with Canada, and in turn, harmed millions of people in both nations. New Delhi has violated international law with its threats to strip immunity from Canadian diplomats, and Ottawa had no choice but to remove the majority of its delegates in India. Unfortunately, millions of Canadians of Indian descent will be the victims of India's actions.
Narrative B
Canada is trying to frame India as the antagonist in the dispute over diplomatic relations—claiming New Delhi has violated international law—but this could not be further from the truth. India has every right to seek parity in diplomatic presence, and there was no reason for Ottawa to have nearly three times as many diplomats in India as India had in Canada. Canada doesn't need to have an unnecessarily bloated diplomatic corps in Canada, and India hasn't violated any norms or laws.
