• Home
  • World News
  • India Cancels Consular Camps in Canada Over Security Concerns Amid Rising Anti-India Sentiment

India Cancels Consular Camps in Canada Over Security Concerns Amid Rising Anti-India Sentiment

After the security services expressed their "inability to offer minimum security protection," the Indian Consulate in Canada cancelled the planned consular camps.

India Cancels Consular Camps in Canada Over Security Concerns Amid Rising Anti-India Sentiment

The Consulate General of India in Toronto said on Thursday that the Indian Consulate in Canada had cancelled the planned consular camps to issue life certificates after security agencies informed the camp organisers of their "inability to provide adequate security protection." The Consulate General of India wrote on X, "The Consulate has decided to cancel some of the scheduled consular camps due to the security authorities' inability to provide the community camp organisers with a basic level of security protection."

 

The announcement follows only days after the Indian embassy co-organized a consular camp outside the Hindi Sabha Temple in Brampton, close to Toronto, when members of the Hindu community were attacked by pro-Khalistan activists.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress about the occurrence, and India lodged a protest at the highest levels.

 

The decision follows a series of escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, which began in September when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly alleged potential Indian government involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh leader. This accusation has fueled protests and threats against Indian diplomatic missions, increasing security concerns for Indian officials and the diaspora. Consequently, Indian authorities have voiced disappointment over Canada's perceived inadequacy in managing these threats, pointing to incidents at past consular events that were disrupted by protesters.

 

The High Commission of India in Ottawa and its consulates in Toronto and Vancouver have faced particular difficulties, with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressing dissatisfaction over the inability to ensure the minimum security needed for safe consular operations. As a result, Indian authorities have requested that Canada take additional security measures to safeguard Indian diplomatic premises and personnel.

 

This cancellation of consular services not only disrupts access to vital documentation for Indian nationals and diaspora members but also signifies the ongoing strain in diplomatic relations between the two nations. India’s stance reflects a cautious approach, prioritizing the safety of its citizens and officials in the face of the current security climate in Canada. The situation underscores the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on community support and bilateral engagement, and as both nations navigate these challenges, the affected diaspora members are caught in the midst of strained relations and disrupted services.

 

The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to resuming consular activities in Canada once security assurances are in place, signaling a willingness to work with Canadian authorities to mitigate risks and safeguard the Indian community.


Myanmar Earthquake Kills 1,644: Foreign Aid Arrives as Anti-Coup Forces Halt Fighting

Myanmar Earthquake Kills 1,644: Foreign Aid Arrives as Anti-Coup Forces Halt Fighting

In the wake of the horrific earthquake that hit central Bangkok and other parts of the nation, the d...
Protestors Disrupt Mamata Banerjee's Oxford University Speech, CM Asks for Respectful Debate

Protestors Disrupt Mamata Banerjee's Oxford University Speech, CM Asks for Respectful Debate

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee referred to the protesters as "Left, ultra-Left frie...
Deadly 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Myanmar, Killing 674 and Wounding More Than 700

Deadly 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Myanmar, Killing 674 and Wounding More Than 700

In Thailand, across the border, a tower fell, with eight confirmed dead and over 70 missing.  ...
Mamata Banerjee Asks British Airways to Revive Direct Flights from London to Kolkata

Mamata Banerjee Asks British Airways to Revive Direct Flights from London to Kolkata

Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, appealed for this in the course of requesting Br...
Indian Auto Industry Prepares for Impact as Trump Levies 25% Tariff on Imported Cars and Parts

Indian Auto Industry Prepares for Impact as Trump Levies 25% Tariff on Imported Cars and Parts

India exported $21.2 billion worth of auto parts into the $1.2 trillion global auto parts market dur...
Heathrow Fire Halts Flights, Delays Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's UK Trip by a Day

Heathrow Fire Halts Flights, Delays Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's UK Trip by a Day

Tens of thousands of passengers were stranded by a blaze at the busiest airport in Europe, causing t...
Heathrow Airport To Reopen Fully After Massive Fire Leads to Thousands of Flight Delays

Heathrow Airport To Reopen Fully After Massive Fire Leads to Thousands of Flight Delays

Heathrow Airport Chief Executive Thomas Woldbye apologized to the stranded passengers and justified ...
US to Erase Prior H-1B Visa Data from March 20: What Employers and Applicants Must Understand

US to Erase Prior H-1B Visa Data from March 20: What Employers and Applicants Must Understand

The Donald Trump government is said to be introducing the new H-1B regime in order to enhance the pr...
NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Return to Earth After 286 Days in Space

NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Return to Earth After 286 Days in Space

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have successfully returned to Earth after a long 2...
Israel Restores Gaza Strikes, Ending Truce; Over 100 Killed in Fresh Violence

Israel Restores Gaza Strikes, Ending Truce; Over 100 Killed in Fresh Violence

The ceasefire agreement has been undone by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and the government, with...