24 Oct Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations”. This topic has relevance in the “International Relations” section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
What is the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations?
What are various Vienna Conventions?
For Mains:
GS2: International Relations
Why in the news?
The India-Canada crisis entered a new phase with the withdrawal of 41 diplomats from the country. India maintained that its actions align with the principles outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
- It is a treaty that regulates the establishment and conduct of diplomatic missions between States. It was signed in 1961 and entered into force in 1964.
- Objective: To promote “the cultivation of amicable relationships” between governments by establishing a standardised framework of practices and principles.
- Notably, it formalises the well-established tradition of diplomatic immunity, granting diplomatic missions specific privileges that empower diplomats to carry out their duties without concern for coercion or harassment from the host country.
- Members: 193 state parties encompassing all United Nations member states except Palau and South Sudan.
Key Features of the Treaty:
- Privileges and immunities of diplomatic agents: The treaty grants diplomatic agents and their families various privileges and immunities, such as inviolability, immunity from jurisdiction, exemption from taxes and duties, and freedom of movement and communication.
- Obligations and duties of diplomatic agents: The treaty also imposes certain obligations and duties on diplomatic agents, such as respecting the laws and regulations of the receiving State, not interfering in its internal affairs, not practising any professional or commercial activity, and notifying the relevant authorities of their arrival, departure, and status.
- Termination and suspension of diplomatic relations: The treaty provides for how diplomatic relations can be terminated or suspended, such as by recalling, expulsion, or withdrawing agreement. It also stipulates the protection of the premises, property, archives, and interests of the mission in such cases.
Various Conventions signed at Vienna:
| Convention | Role and Significance |
| Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963) |
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| Vienna Convention on Succession of States in Respect of Treaties (1978) |
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| Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985) |
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| Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties Between States and International Organizations or Between International Organizations (1986) |
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| United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988) |
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Q1. With reference to Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, consider the following statements:
- Vienna Convention is a treaty that regulates the establishment and conduct of diplomatic missions between States.
- All United Nations member states have signed this treaty except North Korea.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
Q2. Consider the following:
| 1. Convention on Consular Relations (1963) | Covers establishment and conduct of diplomatic missions between States |
| 2. Convention on Succession of States in Respect of Treaties (1978) | Addresses issues related to state succession concerning treaties. |
| 3. Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985) | Addresses the protection of the ozone layer by regulating substances that deplete it. |
How many of the abovementioned pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Q3. Discuss the significance of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations in the context of the India-Canada Relations.
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