The US and UK urged India to reconsider its demand for Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence in India and expressed concern after Canada withdrew 41 diplomats due to a dispute over the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistani terrorist. The US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said they are worried about the departure of Canadian diplomats and called for cooperation in the ongoing investigation. Britain's Foreign Office also criticized the Indian government's decisions, citing the Vienna Convention. This marks a direct criticism by Washington and London of India in this case.

Indian Embassy officials in Israel met community representatives, pledging full assistance amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The embassy confirmed the meeting on social media, emphasizing support for the Indian community during these challenging times. India's 'Operation Ajay' successfully evacuated 1200 Indian nationals, including 18 Nepali citizens, from Israel. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that four Indians are in Gaza, 12-13 in West Bank, denying reports of Indian casualties in Gaza. The ongoing evacuation operation, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to bring back 18,000 Indians from Israel.

The United States and the United Kingdom have expressed concern over India's demand for Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence, following allegations related to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Both nations urged India to cooperate with Canada's ongoing investigation and uphold diplomatic norms outlined in the 1961 Vienna Convention. While the US and the UK value their ties with India as a counterbalance to China, their direct criticism signifies a significant stance in the diplomatic row. Canada withdrew 41 diplomats from India in response to New Delhi's demand, temporarily suspending in-person operations in several Indian cities and warning of visa processing delays.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said India's actions are negatively impacting millions in both countries after Canada confirmed withdrawing 41 diplomats from India. Canada called India's move unreasonable and escalatory following India's demand to reduce Canadian diplomatic presence for parity. The fallout stems from Trudeau publicly alleging India's role in a Sikh separatist leader's killing, which India rejected and accused Canada of harboring terrorists. Trudeau said the diplomat expulsion will delay visa services in India. India accused the diplomats of interference in internal affairs amidst the diplomatic row triggered by Trudeau's accusations over the separatist leader's killing, which India denies.

The Royal Bahrain Hospital terminated Dr. Sunil Rao, an Indian-origin doctor, after he expressed support for Israel on social media amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, where nearly 3,000 people have died. The hospital stated that his tweets were offensive and violated their code of conduct. Dr. Rao issued an apology, acknowledging the insensitivity of his remarks. Meanwhile, concerns grow about a wider Middle East conflict, with increased attacks on US military bases in Iraq and Syria. Additionally, an American destroyer intercepted cruise missiles and drones launched by Yemen-based Houthi militants toward Israel.

Kerala-based Maryan Apparel is ceasing its long-standing contract to manufacture Israeli police uniforms due to moral concerns amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Managing Director Thomas Olickal cited the recent Gaza hospital strike and loss of innocent lives as reasons for the decision. The firm, which supplied around one lakh uniforms annually since 2015, will complete existing commitments but not accept new orders. This move reflects a growing trend of companies reevaluating their engagements in response to ethical considerations during the conflict.

After Canada withdrew its 41 diplomats from India, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement saying the move was warranted due to the higher number of Canadian diplomats in India, their continued interference in India's affairs, and the state of bilateral relations. The MEA said India's actions to implement parity in diplomatic presence are consistent with the Vienna Convention and cannot be portrayed as a violation of international norms. The statement rejects Canada's claim that India violated diplomatic norms by threatening to revoke diplomats' status. The MEA defends India's actions as legally justified given the circumstances. To read full statement, click on the link below 

Amidst the ongoing diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, India's request for Canada to reduce its diplomats has led to a slowdown in visa processing for Indians wishing to travel to Canada. Canada's Immigration Minister Marc Miller confirmed the slowdown, stating that India's move to remove immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats has necessitated reducing the Canadian staff in India from 27 to 5. While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue accepting and processing applications from India, delays are expected due to reduced staffing levels. This development follows Canada's accusation against India regarding the murder of a Sikh activist in Canada, a claim strongly denied by India.

In response to escalating tensions between Canada and India, the Canadian government has issued a travel advisory cautioning its citizens about potential "anti-Canada protests" and risks of "intimidation or harassment." This advisory follows the withdrawal of 41 Canadian diplomats from India after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's statement linking Indian government agents to the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Consulates General of Canada in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai have temporarily suspended in-person operations, urging citizens to obtain consular assistance from the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi. Canadians in India are advised to maintain a low profile, avoid crowded areas, and travel with caution.

Canada has withdrawn 41 diplomats from India amid a dispute over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of a link between Indian agents and the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India threatened to revoke the diplomats' status if they didn't leave by a deadline. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said India's actions violated diplomatic norms but Canada won't retaliate. She facilitated the diplomats' safe exit, accompanied by 42 dependents. The withdrawal follows India asking Canada to reduce diplomatic staff after Trudeau's accusations, which India dismissed as absurd.