Amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, the Canadian government has announced significant reductions in its Indian staff at various missions across India. This move comes after India requested Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence earlier in the year.
A spokesperson from the Canadian High Commission stated on Friday that these staff cuts were necessary due to a decrease in Canadian personnel available to manage and maintain operations in India. Despite these challenges, the spokesperson affirmed, “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.”
Additionally, the High Commission reassured that Canada’s visa application centers in India are functioning normally. Therefore, individuals seeking Canadian visas should not be affected by the recent staffing adjustments.
The diplomatic strain between the two nations was notably exacerbated by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September regarding the possible involvement of Indian agents in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia—an accusation that New Delhi has labeled as “absurd.” In response, India had prompted Canada to downsize its diplomatic staff, leading to the withdrawal of 41 Canadian diplomats and their families from India.
As the situation evolves, both nations are navigating a complex diplomatic landscape, with ongoing issues such as allegations of election interference and concerns over the safety of Indians in Canada adding to the tension.