India fourth-biggest embassy debtor in London with Rs 110 crore dues

India has the fourth-highest unpaid congestion charge debt among foreign embassies in London, owing £10.79 million (about Rs 110 crore). The debt stems from a dispute over whether the levy is a service fee or a tax. British authorities classify it as a fee for service, which embassy staff must pay, but India, along with the US and Japan, argues it is a direct tax and thus exempt under Article 34 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Among South Asian missions, India's unpaid amount is the highest. Pakistan owes £4.11 million, Sri Lanka £1.03 million, the Maldives £352,880, and Bangladesh £30,990. Transport for London says it will pursue full payment through diplomatic channels and has rejected requests to waive the dues. The deadlock has persisted for over two decades.