Amidst the escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, there is a ray of relief for the Indian community in Canada. The Indian government has clarified that essential consular services such as passport issuance, police clearance certificates, and document attestation will continue unabated. This announcement follows India’s decision to suspend the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens due to perceived security concerns.
https://x.com/IndiainToronto/status/1705238138061295924?s=20
The Consulate General of India in Toronto took to social media platform X to convey this message to the Indian diaspora in Canada. Their post stated, “Consular services for Indian nationals in Canada, including passport issuance, passport renewal, police clearance certificates, and attestation, will continue as usual.”
This diplomatic standoff between the two nations originated earlier in the week when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, addressing the Canadian parliament, made claims of “credible allegations” linking the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June with individuals associated with the Indian government.
In response, the Indian government categorically rejected these allegations, dismissing them as “absurd and motivated.” Subsequently, both countries expelled one diplomat each. Furthermore, India issued a travel advisory for its citizens traveling to Canada, coinciding with Canada’s updated travel advisory for India.
On the heels of these actions, India decided to suspend the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens indefinitely. Initially, BLS International, a private agency responsible for the initial screening of visa applications for Canadian nationals, cited “operational reasons” for the suspension. Later, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi explained that “security threats” had disrupted the functioning of Indian officials, preventing them from conducting visa-related tasks.
Mr. Bagchi elaborated, stating, “Due to the current security situation in Canada and the inaction of the Canadian government, we have temporarily suspended visa services.” He also mentioned that India had requested Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence in India, citing “interference of Canadian diplomats in Indian affairs.”
In response, Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his allegations during a press conference at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, stating, “As I said on Monday, there are credible reasons to believe that agents of the Government of India were involved in the killing of a Canadian on Canadian soil.”
The diplomatic dispute between India and Canada continues to evolve, with both countries taking measures to safeguard their interests while seeking a resolution to the ongoing tensions.
Parvasi Media Group