New Delhi: Amid escalating diplomatic tensions, India accused Canada of providing a “safe haven” for terrorists and interfering in the country’s domestic affairs, while also revealing plans to reduce staff at the Canadian mission in Delhi.
“If there’s any country that needs to look at damage here, it is Canada and its growing reputation as a safe haven for terrorists, extremists, and organised crime. That’s the country that needs to worry about reputational damage,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during a press briefing.
Bagchi further emphasised that elements linked to organised crimes, terrorists, secessionists or extremists are ‘operating freely’ in Canada.
“They are being politically condoned and given a free run. We expect the Canadian government to take action against them,” he remarked.
The MEA disclosed that both countries have agreed to reduce the number and rank of diplomats in New Delhi and Ottawa to achieve mutual staff parity, in response to a request by India.
Bagchi stated, “We have observed Canadian diplomatic interference in our internal affairs. This is one of the factors considered when seeking parity in terms of strength and rank equivalence.”
This development comes hours after the Canadian High Commission in India Thursday confirmed to ThePrint that Ottawa was pulling out diplomats in response to ‘threats’ received on social media.
“As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India. All of our locations are staffed by diplomats and locally engaged staff to ensure business and operational continuity,” the high commission said.
An ‘overall anti-India activities’
The decision to withdraw personnel coincides with India’s announcement that it has suspended visa services for Canadian citizens, including e-visas.
“Security threats faced by the Indian High Commission and Consulate in Canada have disrupted its normal functioning. Accordingly, our High Commission and Consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications. We will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis”, the MEA spokesman said.
He further emphasised, “We would expect better steps by the Canadian authorities on our very significant concerns about terrorism and security of our diplomats and overall anti-India activities that are given a safe haven in Canada.”
On Thursday, the BLS International visa portal to apply for Indian visas in Canada issued a notice to users stating, “Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice.”
Diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Ottawa have rapidly deteriorated since Wednesday following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations regarding India’s involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. India swiftly rejected these allegations, dismissing them as “absurd and motivated.”
Regarding Canada’s allegations against India, Bagchi noted that Ottawa has not shared “any specific information” about the case with New Delhi, but India is willing to examine any information if shared, and this has been communicated to Canada.
The external ministry also issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals and students in Canada Wednesday, urging them to exercise ‘extreme caution and remain vigilant’.
“In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution,” stated the MEA in its advisory.
Also read: India told Canada to reduce diplomats for staff parity, says foreign ministry