From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Various vienna conventions
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The Indian government lodged a strong protest against the UK government and reminded obligations of the host nation under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations amid the vandalism incident that occurred at the Indian High Commission in London.
What is the Vienna Convention?
- The treaty being referred to by the MEA in this instance is the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
- It provides a complete framework for the establishment, maintenance and termination of diplomatic relations on a basis of consent between independent sovereign States.
FYI: Vienna ConventionVienna, the capital city of Austria, has a long history of hosting international conventions and conferences. There are several conventions that are named as “Vienna Convention”. Here is a list of some of the most well-known Vienna Conventions:
Note that there may be other treaties or agreements that have been signed in Vienna that may also be referred to as Vienna Conventions, but the above are some of the most commonly recognized ones. |
Obligations of a “receiving State” under the Vienna Convention
- As per the Vienna Convention, a “receiving State” refers to the host nation where a diplomatic mission is located.
- Article 22 of the Convention deals with obligations with regards to the premises of the Mission.
- Part 2 of this article states that “The receiving State is under a special duty to take all appropriate steps to protect the premises of the mission against any intrusion or damage and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the mission or impairment of its dignity”.
Did the UK not fulfil its obligations in this instance?
- The fact that protestors were able to climb the walls of the High Commission premises indicates a breach.
- India finds the UK government’s indifference to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK unacceptable.
- UK has condemned the event and promised to take the security of the Indian High Commission in London seriously.
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