India calls for 50% Staff Reduction after Pakistan violates Vienna Convention

On 23^rd June 2020, within the next 7 days, the External Affairs Ministry of India has decided to reduce the staff strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad by 50% and has also directed the Pakistan Government to implement the same by reducing 50% of its staff from its Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

This significant downgrading of diplomatic ties is due to:

1.  The abduction and barbaric treatment with two Indian high Commission staff at Islamabad at gunpoint by Pakistan Government officials on 17^th June 2020. The two Indian High Commission staff returned to India on 22^nd June, the level of severe ill-treatment experienced by them at the hands of Pakistan Government Agencies highlights the continued effort of the Pakistan Government over the decades to intimidate the Indian High Commission in Islamabad from carrying on their legitimate diplomatic functions.
2. Two Pakistan High Commission staff was caught red-handed in acts of espionage by the Indian Officials in New Delhi on 31^st May 2020. These two Pakistan High Commission staff was also dealing with terrorist outfits. These two Pakistani Citizens were immediately expelled from their duties and were made to return to Pakistan on the same day. Over the years India has continuously expressed its concern on the activities of the Pakistan High Commission staff in New Delhi.

With this incongruous behavior by the Pakistani Agencies with the two Indian High Commission staffs, Pakistan has violated the Vienna Convention Treaty and also the bilateral agreements between the two countries.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2020