Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961
Recently a small group of people raising pro-Khalistan slogans tried to pull down the Indian flag at the Indian High Commission in London. The London Metropolitan Police was absent at the time.
After the above incident, the Government of India summoned the senior diplomat of the British Deputy High Commissioner in India on March 20 and registered its strong protest.
An explanation was sought on the absence of British security personnel as to how these anti-India elements were allowed to enter the High Commission premises. India also reminded the British diplomat of the UK government’s basic obligations under the Vienna Convention.
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961
- The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961 provides a complete framework for the establishment, maintenance and termination of diplomatic relations between independent sovereign states on an agreed basis.
- The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations came into force on April 24, 1964 and has been ratified by almost all the countries of the world except Palau and South Sudan.
- The Convention codifies the long-standing practice of diplomatic immunity, the privileges accorded to diplomatic missions.
- These privileges enable diplomats to perform their functions without fear of coercion or harassment by the host country (where the embassy is located).
- This convention prohibits any violation of the limits of the diplomatic mission.
- Article 22 of the Convention deals with obligations in respect of the mission’s premises. Part 2 of this article states that, host countries of embassies are bound by a special duty to protect the premises of the mission from any intrusion or damage and to take all reasonable steps to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the mission or loss of its dignity.
- The security of any High Commission or Embassy is the responsibility of the host country. Although the diplomatic mission can deploy security forces for its own security, but the host country is responsible for the security.
Source – Indian Express
