chargé d'affaires
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 sets three classes of heads of mission: ambassadors or nuncios accredited to heads of state, envoys and ministers, and chargés d'affaires accredited to the Minister for Foreign Affairs (Article 14). A chargé ad interim is a different figure: a member of staff who acts provisionally when the post of head of mission is vacant or the head cannot act (Article 19).
Class affects only precedence and etiquette, not privileges and immunities. Leaving a mission under a chargé instead of an ambassador is a common way of signalling cooler relations. India gives the Convention effect through the Diplomatic Relations (Vienna Convention) Act, 1972.
Example
After recalling its ambassador in protest, the state left its embassy under a chargé d'affaires ad interim, who still enjoyed full diplomatic immunity.
In Indian law
- Articles 14 and 19, Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961
- Diplomatic Relations (Vienna Convention) Act, 1972