The resumption of visa issuance to Canadian citizens remains uncertain as the security situation surrounding Indian diplomats and consular officials in Canada continues to pose challenges, according to India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma. The “situation is still not ideal to conduct normal diplomatic and consular functions by all Indian diplomats and consular officials,” stated Verma in an interview with HT.
Verma indicated that if there is a noticeable improvement in the security environment for Indian diplomats and consular officials stationed in Canada, there may be a possibility of some relaxation in the existing Indian visa regime for Canadian citizens. However, he also highlighted the persistent issue of pro-Khalistan elements targeting India’s senior diplomats in the country, along with its missions.
Verma noted that the security threats primarily arise from the activities of anti-India elements in Canada, albeit a small number of them. He emphasized that until the core reasons behind these security threats are addressed, the risk will persist.
Pro-Khalistan groups organized car rallies in front of India’s High Commission in Ottawa and its Consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, branding Verma, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as ‘Enemies of Canada.’ These actions underline the ongoing tensions between India and certain factions within the Canadian Sikh community.
Canada had provided personal security details to Indian diplomats while also enhancing security coverage of diplomatic and consular missions. However, Verma clarified that the provision of security to key Indian diplomats and consular officials does not necessarily signify an improved security environment; it merely indicates that restricted physical movement is possible.
The resumption of visa services to Canada was indefinitely suspended on September 21, following a diplomatic fallout triggered by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s remarks about potential links between Indian agents and the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18.
In response, both India and Canada expelled a diplomat each, marking a deterioration in their diplomatic relations. Recently, India withdrew diplomatic immunity for Canadian diplomats, leading to the return of 41 Canadian diplomats from India.
The lingering security concerns and diplomatic tensions have further delayed the prospect of resuming Indian visa services for Canadian citizens.
Sources By Agencies
