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India asks Pakistan to cut embassy staff by half as spy spat escalates
- New Delhi said the staff cuts were to be implemented in seven days and it would also reduce its own presence in Islamabad to the same proportion
- Pakistan rejected the espionage allegations, saying its diplomatic mission in Delhi has maintained compliance with international law
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India told Pakistan on Tuesday to slash its embassy staff in New Delhi by half – saying it would do the same in Islamabad – as a diplomatic spat continued between the nuclear-armed rivals.
The fractious relationship between the neighbours has worsened since New Delhi expelled two Pakistan embassy officials over spying claims in late May.
Pakistan brushed aside the espionage allegations, saying its diplomatic mission in New Delhi has maintained compliance with international law and diplomatic norms.
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“Pakistan completely dismisses allegations of any violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations by the officials of the high commission for Pakistan in New Delhi and reiterates that they always function within the parameters of international law and diplomatic norms,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
New Delhi has accused Islamabad of torturing two Indian diplomats arrested following an alleged hit-and-run in the Pakistani capital. The two were charged with reckless driving, injuring a pedestrian and possessing fake currency notes.
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The men returned to India on Monday, where they “provided graphic details of the barbaric treatment that they experienced”, the foreign ministry claimed.
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Pakistan brings diplomats to see Kashmir area where cross-border shelling killed at least 10 people
Pakistan brings diplomats to see Kashmir area where cross-border shelling killed at least 10 people
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