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MEA responds after Khalistani elements disturb consular camp in Canada

Bagchi reminded Canada of the Vienna Convention which has made provisions for certain privileges and immunities for diplomatic missions to operate smoothly.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked Canada to respect the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations after it was reported that Khalistani supporters disturbed a consular camp organized by the Indian High Commission in Canada.

“Our High Commission and Consulates in Canada regularly organize consular camps. One such camp was organized near Vancouver on November 12to provide life certificates to pensioners. The event was held successfully, despite attempts by a few radical elements to cause trouble. Our Consul General was not present at that site,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a weekly media briefing.

“We reiterate the need for nations to respect the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations so that our diplomats can discharge their diplomatic obligations,” he added.

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations has granted certain “privileges and immunities” to diplomatic missions to operate without harassment under the jurisdiction of local laws. “The receiving State is under a special duty to take all appropriate steps to protect the premises of the mission against any intrusion or damage and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the mission or impairment of its dignity,” states Article 22, point 2, of the Vienna Convention.

Bagchi also commented on reports of an attack on Indian communities in the North American country during Diwali celebrations. “I think that was more in the nature of an unrest between two groups. To be honest, I don't think there has been any complaint that our Consulate has received. I saw some social media reports. We also understand that the authorities there are looking into that incident. So I don't have anything further to add to that,” he said.

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