Diplomatic Tensions Escalate: Indian Consular Services Extended Amidst Row with Canada
The Consulate General of India in Toronto has announced that consular services for Indian nationals in Canada will continue, despite a diplomatic row between the two countries. The dispute follows allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of India's involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. The United States has expressed support for Canada's allegations, while India has rejected them as absurd. The situation remains complex, with ongoing diplomatic conversations between the parties involved. Indian nationals in Canada are advised to exercise caution due to growing anti-India activities in the country.
Consular services for Indian nationals in Canada will continue to be extended, according to a statement by the Consulate General of India in Toronto. This comes amidst a diplomatic row between India and Canada following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of India's potential involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in British Columbia in June. An unnamed Canadian official claimed that Canada has surveillance intelligence on India's involvement in the assassination, as well as intelligence from a member of the Five Eyes alliance.
However, the source of this intelligence was not disclosed. In response to these allegations, India took measures to halt the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and requested a reduction in Canada's diplomatic personnel. The Biden administration has expressed support for Canada's allegations and has called for India to cooperate with the Canadian investigation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of accountability and stated that the investigation should run its course.
However, there are growing questions about the evidence presented by Canada and the lack of public information regarding India's involvement in the assassination. India has rejected these allegations as absurd and motivated, while Canada has not provided any public evidence to support its claims. The India-Canada relationship has been strained in recent months due to increasing activities of pro-Khalistani elements in Canada.
India believes that the Trudeau government is not addressing its genuine concerns. The United States has been in communication with India and Canada regarding this issue. The US supports Canada's efforts to investigate the allegations but has not provided any special exemption for India. The situation remains complex, and diplomatic conversations are ongoing between the involved parties. India has advised its nationals in Canada to exercise caution due to growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes in the country.