"Canada Provides Safe Haven To Organised Crimes": MEA Spokesperson Clarifies Visa Suspension, Other Diplomatic Issues

Arindam Baghchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), asserted on Thursday (21 September) that Canada's accusations against India are motivated by political considerations.

This statement was made during the weekly media briefing that comes at a time when diplomatic relations between India and Canada are facing significant challenges.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who has been wanted in India for several years.

These public allegations have strained the diplomatic relationship between India and Canada, leading to both nations expelling their respective diplomats. As a further development, India's visa processing center in Canada suspended its services.

Bagchi confirmed that Canada has not shared any specific information regarding the allegations. "We have consistently provided Canadian authorities with very specific evidence of criminal activities taking place on Canadian soil, but regrettably, no action has been taken," stated the MEA spokesperson.

The allegations were initially raised by Prime Minister Trudeau during his visit to India for the G20 summit, but they were rejected by Prime Minister Modi, as reiterated by the MEA.

Regarding the suspension of visa services in Canada, the MEA spokesperson stated, "We are cognizant of the security threats faced by our high commission and consulates in Canada, which have disrupted their normal operations. Consequently, our High Commission and consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications. We will continually assess the situation."

Additionally, the MEA clarified that e-visa services have also been suspended. Canadian citizens travelling from third countries will also not get visas temporarily. He also mentioned that discrimination in how visas are granted by Canada will be reviewed with seriousness.

The MEA emphasized that the issue does not pertain to travel to India for those with valid visas and documents. Instead, the concern revolves around incitement to violence, the lack of action by Canadian authorities, and the creation of an environment that hampers the functioning of the high commission and consulates.

"We take Vienna Convention seriously. We are providing all support to foreign diplomats in India. We expect Canadian authorities will show similar sensitivity to posters threatening assassination, incitement of violence against our diplomats, attacks on our premises," said Bagchi asking Canada to take "Vienna Convention more seriously".

He said that while Canada perceives hate crimes as freedom of expression, Indian authorities call it politically condoned because criminals have got a free run there.

On the expulsion of a diplomat, Bagchi said that this is being done to ensure parity of strength and rank equivalence due to Canadian diplomatic interference in our internal affairs.

He asked Canada to not give "safe havens to those who have charges of terrorism on them. Take action there or send them for justice here."

He reiterated that all of India's complaints to Canada are related to no action on terrorism and organised crimes and New Delhi expects better steps from Canadian authorities.