Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom on Friday expressed concern over 41 Canadian diplomats being pulled out of India.

While the US said it has urged New Delhi not to insist on a reduction in diplomatic presence, the UK said it did not agree with the decisions taken by the Indian government.

Both countries emphasised that communication and diplomats on the ground are essential for resolving differences. Both the US and the UK also reiterated their call for India to cooperate in Canada’s investigation into the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

“We have urged the Indian government not to insist upon a reduction in Canada’s diplomatic presence and to cooperate in the ongoing Canadian investigation,” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.

“We expect India to uphold its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, including concerning privileges and immunities enjoyed by accredited members of Canada’s diplomatic mission. Resolving differences requires diplomats on the ground,” he added.

“We expect all states to uphold their obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The unilateral removal of the privileges and immunities that provide for the safety and security of diplomats is not consistent with the principles of the effective functioning of the Vienna Convention,” a spokesperson of Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said.

The spokesperson said resolving differences “requires communication and diplomats in respective capitals”.