Foreign missions warn of action, say cash curbs breach Vienna Convention

Anguished over restrictions on withdrawals by their embassies, many foreign governments are contemplating reciprocal measures against Indian missions abroad terming the cash curbs as a “serious breach” of the Vienna Convention.

Anguished over restrictions on withdrawals by their embassies, many foreign governments are contemplating reciprocal measures against Indian missions abroad terming the cash curbs as a “serious breach” of the Vienna Convention.

The government announced scrapping of Rs 500/1000 notes on November 8. (HT File Photo)

In strong comments, Frank Hans Dannenberg Castellanos, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps which represents the voice of 157 foreign missions here, said the “buck stops” at PM Narendra Modi’s door and he should intervene to resolve the issue soon.

Castellanos, ambassador of the Dominican Republic, said, “I am not saying all governments will do that but there might be governments who are already studying the possibility of reciprocating through Indian diplomats in their countries.”

He said he had written a letter to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and the chief of protocol expressing concern over the restrictions.

At the same time, he hoped the issue will be resolved soon and that such action by foreign governments will not be required.