Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday evening that New Delhi's decision to reduce the presence of Canadian diplomats in India is "contrary to international law" and the rest of the world should be concerned.

The United States and the United Kingdom are urging India to reconsider its stance.

Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced on Thursday that Canada withdrew most of its diplomatic presence in India after New Delhi threatened to revoke diplomatic immunity for these diplomats and their families.

Minister Joly described this action as an unprecedented threat, stating that Canada chose to relocate 41 of its diplomats out of India, along with 42 of their family members. Ottawa retains 21 diplomats stationed in India.

Echoing Minister Joly's statements from yesterday, Trudeau described India's unilateral decision to revoke diplomatic immunity for around forty Canadians as a violation of the Vienna Convention, which should concern all countries in the world.

The United States and the United Kingdom are cooperating with Canada...

The U.S. State Department said on Friday that it is concerned about the decision.

"Resolving disputes requires diplomats on the ground," wrote government spokesperson Matthew Miller, adding: "We have urged the Indian government not to insist on reducing the Canadian diplomatic presence."

He added: We expect India to respect its commitments, especially regarding the privileges and immunities enjoyed by accredited members of the Canadian diplomatic mission.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office echoed these concerns.

The department also stated in a press release: "We do not agree with the decisions taken by the Indian government that led to the departure of several Canadian diplomats from India."