The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday that Indian missions in Canada are currently facing “security threats,” which have disrupted their usual operations, including the issuance of visas. As a result, the Indian missions in Canada are temporarily unable to process visa applications. This suspension of visa services also applies to third-country applicants who typically apply for visas through Indian missions in Canada.
During the weekly press briefing, Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi emphasized India’s preference for “parity” in the assignment of diplomats to each other’s missions. He mentioned that the number of Canadian diplomats in India is expected to decrease.
Bagchi also noted that the Indian government has not received any evidence from the Justin Trudeau administration regarding alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in Surrey. He urged Canada to adhere to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations by ensuring the safety and security of Indian diplomats in Canada.
“You are aware of the security threats being faced by our High Commission and consulates in Canada. These threats have disrupted their normal operations. Consequently, our High Commission and consulates cannot currently process visa applications. We will continuously assess the situation,” stated Mr. Bagchi when announcing the suspension of Indian visas in Canada.
Since Prime Minister Trudeau accused Indian operatives of being involved in Nijjar’s murder in Surrey, British Columbia, tensions have risen for Indian diplomats in Canada and Canadian diplomats in India. Both sides have seen hostile online comments directed at their diplomats. On the Canadian side, Sikhs for Justice has conducted an online campaign urging “Indo Hindus to return to India” and launched targeted poster campaigns against Indian diplomats in Canada.
Mr. Bagchi acknowledged the threats against Indian diplomats and urged Ottawa to ensure the safety of Indian officials under the Vienna Convention. India had previously cited “politically condoned” violence against Indian citizens in Canada while issuing a travel advisory. Mr. Bagchi also emphasized the larger issue of terrorism, supported and funded by Pakistan, as well as the provision of safe havens for such activities abroad, including in Canada.
Earlier, the High Commission of Canada informed The Hindu that, due to the heightened tensions, Canada had “adjusted” its staff levels in its diplomatic missions in India. They explained, “In light of the current environment where tensions have heightened, we are taking action to ensure the safety of our diplomats. With some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms, Global Affairs Canada is assessing its staff complement in India. As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India.”
The Canadian mission also reminded India to uphold the diplomatic code of conduct as outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. Although the Canadian side did not confirm whether the staff reduction was a result of a conversation with India, Mr. Bagchi indicated during his briefing that discussions about reducing diplomats in Canadian missions in India are ongoing.
“We have informed the Canadian government that there should be parity in terms of strength and rank equivalence in our mutual diplomatic presence. Their numbers here are significantly higher than ours in Canada. The details are being worked out, but I anticipate a reduction on the Canadian side,” stated Mr. Bagchi.
The controversy stemming from Prime Minister Trudeau and Foreign Minister Melanie Joly’s allegations has escalated, affecting consular affairs on both sides. This was evident on Thursday when a private agency responsible for issuing Indian visas for Canada posted a public notice, which was temporarily removed and then re-posted. A source at BLS International, the private entity processing Indian visas for Canada, indicated that the notice was posted with authorization from the Government of India.
This consular challenge is expected to have broader implications and impact normal exchanges between the two countries. Former Indian High Commissioner to Canada Vishnu Prakash pointed out the political influence of Khalistan supporters in Canadian politics. He noted that certain political parties, especially the Liberals, prioritize engagement with them over ties with India due to their influence in specific parliamentary constituencies and alleged material and financial support to these parties.
