Canada has reduced its diplomatic personnel in New Delhi and other parts of the country, months after India expelled dozens of its diplomats, in what was described as a high-octane escalation between the two countries.
“I can confirm that the Government of Canada has implemented some staff reductions across our network of missions in India. The decision to implement reductions across our network of missions in India was sadly necessary given the reduction of Canadian staff available to effectively manage and maintain in-country operations,” a high commission official said.
“Canada will continue to deliver core services to Canadians in India, including consular support and for trade and business development – so that the citizens of our two countries can continue to benefit from the longstanding ties between Canadians and Indians. We can also confirm that Canada’s visa application centres in India are operating as normal,” the official added.
Despite diplomatic tensions, the Canadian government says it welcomes Indian citizens for various purposes, including visits, work, study, or permanent residence. The decision to trim its staff in India comes months after Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly in October had said that 41 of Canada’s 62 diplomats in India were removed, along with their dependents, weeks into the dispute over the slaying of a Sikh separatist in Canada. However, India maintained that the move was exercised to establish diplomatic parity.
The diplomatic discord began in September after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian government officials of involvement in the Surrey killing of Khalistan leader Hardeep Nijjar. In response, India outrightly rejected the claims and accused Ottawa of being complacent in anti-India activities within its territory. During testimony before a committee probing foreign interference in Canadian affairs, Trudeau, this week, reiterated concerns about the Nijjar case.
Read More: ‘We Have Stood Up For Canadians’: Justin Trudeau On Ottawa’s Stand On Nijjar Killing
Stressing his administration’s resolve to ensure the rights and freedoms of anyone arriving in Canada, he slammed the previous Conservative government for “close ties” with the Indian government. “Our government remains steadfast in ensuring that anyone coming to Canada enjoys the rights and freedoms of a Canadian citizen,” Trudeau said, underscoring actions taken to address the Nijjar case as evidence of Canada’s dedication to defending the rights and freedoms sought by many immigrating to the country.
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