Indian Consulates facing security concerns in Canada, will review visa operations regularly: Govt

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi during the press briefing (Image: ANI)

India temporarily suspended visas for Canadians amidst escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries, and High Commission and Consulates in Canada are currently experiencing "temporary disruptions" in their visa processing operations due to "security concerns", Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on September 21.

"Indian high commission, consulates in Canada are temporarily unable to process visa applications as work disrupted due to security issues," Bagchi said in a press briefing.

The MEA Spokesperson said that India would conduct a review of Canada Visa operations and will give updates.

"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 what is making us stop temporarily the issuance of visa services," Arindam Bagchi added.

The MEA Spokesperson has also said that it has conveyed to the Canadian government the necessity for "diplomatic parity in both High Commissions", and consequently, they anticipate a "reduction in the staff at Canadian Mission in India".

Bagchi further said that India is committed to ensuring the safety of foreign diplomats within India, and anticipates that Canadian authorities will also show the same consideration for the security of Indian diplomats in Canada.

On Indian students in Canada, he said: "We've issued an advisory to take precautions. Our Consulate is working there. We have said that if they face any problem, they can contact our Consulate..."

The tension between the two nations escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey in June. This accusation ignited a diplomatic conflict, resulting in the recent expulsion of high-ranking diplomats from both countries. The Canadian government, a day after Trudeau's allegations, released a travel advisory for its citizens visiting India, advising them to "exercise a high level of caution."

Bagchi, referring to Trudeau's statement alleging the involvement of "agents of the Indian government" in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey in June, believed "the actions are politically driven".

"Yes these allegations were raised by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau with PM (Modi) and PM rejected them. ," said Bagchi.

According to the official, although India has furnished Canada with information regarding criminal activities, Canada has not taken any action in response to it.

"Safe haven is being provided in Canada, we want the Canadian govt to not do so and take action against those who have terrorism charges or send them here to face justice...We've sought either extradition request or assistance related to that, at least more than 20-25 individuals we've requested over the years but the response has not been helpful at all," the MEA spokesperson added.

As tensions continue to rise, India issued an advisory on September 20, urging Indian students and NRIs in Canada to exercise caution due to increasing anti-India activities.

But, the Canadian government on September 21 rejected a travel advisory issued by India about security risks in Canada, saying it is one of the safest countries in the world, and called for calm amid the escalating diplomatic row between the two nations.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and one of India's most-wanted terrorists, was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen outside a gurdwara in Surrey in the western Canadian province of British Columbia on June 18.

Canadian police have not arrested anyone in connection with Nijjar's killing. Last month, police released a statement saying they were investigating three suspects.

Canada-based Nijjar was designated a 'terrorist' by India under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in July 2020 and his property in the country was attached by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in September 2020.

(With Agency inputs)