Unable to process Canadians' visas as our consulates facing security threats, claims Indian government
India Canada diplomatic tension: In response to escalating tensions with Canada, the Indian government has taken further retaliatory steps, including suspending visas issued by Canadian missions in India and requesting the Canadian High Commission to reduce its staff to match the Indian staff strength in Canada.
The government also expressed disappointment over Canada's failure to provide specific information regarding the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijar on June 18. Meanwhile, Canada has not taken action on several dossiers provided by India concerning the activities of Indian-origin terrorists, radicals, and criminals who have found refuge in Canada, as stated by MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi during a media briefing.
#WATCH | "Yes, I do think there is a degree of prejudice here. They have made allegations and taken action on them. To us, it seems that these allegations by government of Canada are primarily politically driven": MEA spox Arindam Bagchi on India-Canada row pic.twitter.com/75tvsAKRZl — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023
WATCH | "The issue is not about travel to India. Those who have valid visas, OCIs are free to travel to India. The issue is the incitement of violence, inaction by Canadian authorities and the creation of an environment that disrupts the functioning of our consulates which is… pic.twitter.com/fN2cvz6z6V — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023
These recent actions come on the heels of a strongly-worded travel advisory issued by the Indian government regarding Canada and the expulsion of the Station Head of Canadian intelligence in India.
Bagchi emphasized the need for Canada to take more robust measures to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats and the Indian-origin community in Canada. He expressed concern about elements linked to organized crime, terrorism, and extremism that appear to operate with impunity in Canada.
“Current situation between India, Canada affecting people of country living there, govts need to settle it soon”: SAD President
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/ClzNHaQgBx#canadaindia #CanadaIndiaRow #SAD pic.twitter.com/3Hq7LrJqtq — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) September 21, 2023
The suspension of visa processing by Indian High Commission and consulates is attributed to security threats faced by Indian diplomats, which have disrupted their normal work. Bagchi noted that this measure would be reviewed periodically, but individuals holding valid visas for India or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards are not affected.
"We are looking for parity on rank and strength," Bagchi stated, announcing a study to assess the relative strength of Canadian missions in India compared to Indian missions in Canada. However, Canada had previously announced a reduction in the number of diplomats stationed in India due to security concerns.
Regarding concerns about Canadian diplomats facing online harassment, Bagchi emphasized India's commitment to the Vienna Convention's principles and offered to provide necessary security. He urged Canadian authorities to take similar actions against those inciting violence against Indian diplomats and fulfill their obligations under international law.
In response to questions about Canada denying visas to former Indian army officials and Intelligence Bureau personnel who served in Punjab, Bagchi acknowledged instances of unfair treatment and discrimination. He noted that India has raised these issues with the Canadian government.
#WATCH | On the India-Canada row, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "It's a very disappointing development. I don't quite understand why the apparent need on Canada's part to cater to a particular political lobby in that country has resulted in their publicly putting their entire… pic.twitter.com/hapRuwleLn — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023
Bagchi also highlighted India's ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating, "We have been engaged with friendly countries on various issues, including this one, discussing our position and developments."
- With inputs from agencies
