Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 

• The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 is an international treaty that defines a framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries.
• It specifies the privileges of a diplomatic missions that enable diplomats to perform their function without fear of coercion or harassment by the host country.
• This forms the legal basis for diplomatic immunity.
• Its articles are considered a cornerstone of modern international relations.
• As of June 2020, it has been ratified by 193 states.

Important Articles     

Total 53 articles are included in the convention. Some of the important articles are given as

Article 2

The establishment of diplomatic relations between States, and of permanent diplomatic missions, takes place by mutual consent.

Article 3

The functions of a diplomatic mission.

Article 5 and 6

Two or more States may accredit the same person as head of mission to another State, unless objection is offered by the receiving State.

Article 27

The receiving State shall permit and protect free communication on the part of the mission for all official purposes. In communicating with the Government and the other missions and consulates of the sending State, wherever situated, the mission may employ all appropriate means, including diplomatic couriers and messages in code or cipher. However, the mission may install and use a wireless transmitter only with the consent of the receiving State.

Article 29

The person of a diplomatic agent shall be inviolable. He shall not be liable to any form of arrest or detention. The receiving State shall treat him with due respect and shall take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on his person, freedom or dignity.

Article 31

A diplomatic agent shall enjoy immunity from the criminal jurisdiction of the receiving State. He shall also enjoy immunity from its civil and administrative jurisdiction, except in few cases.

Article 32

The immunity from jurisdiction of diplomatic agents and of persons enjoying immunity under article 37 may be waived by the sending State.

Article 33

Subject to the provisions of paragraph 3 of this article, a diplomatic agent shall with respect to services rendered for the sending State be exempt from social security provisions which may be in force in the receiving State.

Article 42

A diplomatic agent shall not in the receiving State practise for personal profit any professional or commercial activity.