The Canadian High Commission in India announced its decision to temporarily adjust its staff presence in the country. The high commission said it “expected” India to provide security for Canadian diplomats and consular officers
The Canadian High Commission in India has encountered a situation where some of its diplomats received threats on social media platforms. Consequently, they have made a temporary adjustment in their staff presence in India. The High Commission has expressed its expectation that India will provide security for Canadian diplomats and consular officers within the country.
This development has unfolded amidst a diplomatic standoff between India and Canada. The dispute revolves around Canada’s allegations of a possible link between “agents of the Indian government” and the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, in June.
Despite these circumstances, the Canadian High Commission and all consulates in India will remain open and continue to serve clients. They assure that Global Affairs Canada closely monitors the safety and security of their missions and personnel, maintaining strict security protocols to respond to any events.
Given the current environment of heightened tensions, they are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their diplomats. Some diplomats have received threats on various social media platforms, prompting a reassessment of staff presence in India. However, they emphasise that all locations are staffed by diplomats and locally engaged staff to ensure business continuity.
The High Commission emphasises that Global Affairs Canada will continue to take appropriate measures to protect the health and safety of Canadian personnel and their operations in India. Decisions regarding staff presence are made based on various factors, including professional profiles and personal circumstances.
In line with their respect for obligations under the Vienna conventions, they expect India to provide security for their accredited diplomats and consular officers, just as they do for Indian diplomats in Canada.
India-Canada Diplomatic Row
The diplomatic standoff escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that Canadian security agencies were investigating a link between the Indian government and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canadian media report claims that their government has collected ‘human and signals intelligence’ in a months-long investigation before accusing the Indian governments potential role in this killing. India has dismissed these claims as “absurd” and “motivated”, and also that the Canadian government has not shared any specific information. If they were to do so, New Delhi would be investigating it, they added.
India-Canada are seen in the middle of worsening standoff when Canadian PM Justin Trudeau on Thursday, ‘called upon Indian government to take this matter seriously’ and ‘work to shed full transparency and ensure accountability and justice in this matter.’
In response to the diplomatic row, India has suspended visa services for Canadian nationals until further notice due to “operational reasons.” This comes after a stern advisory from the Indian government to Indian citizens in Canada, cautioning against engaging in anti-India activities that are detrimental to India’s interests and expressing strong disapproval of hate-crimes with political motivations.
