• Source:JND
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Amid the growing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, the High Commission of Canada in India on Thursday said that some of its diplomats received threats on various social media platforms and added that it will be making temporary adjustments to its staff presence in the country to ensure the safety of its diplomats.

“In light of the current environment where tensions have heightened, we are taking action to ensure the safety of our diplomats. With some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms, Global Affairs Canada is assessing its staff complement in India," the high commission said in a statement.

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“As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India. In the context of respect for obligations under the Vienna conventions, we expect India to provide for the security of our accredited diplomats and consular officers in India, just as we are for theirs here,” the statement further read.

The move came amid a diplomatic standoff between India and Canada, sparked by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of the potential involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Colombia in June.

"Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar," Trudeau said while speaking at the House of Commons in Ottawa.

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. (Image: ANI)

However, India has strongly rejected these allegations, calling them ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated’, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats on both sides and escalating tensions between both countries.

India has been raising concerns about the increasing anti-India activity in Canada including ‘open’ support for Khalistani groups by political leaders.

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Earlier in the day, India suspended visa services for Canadian nationals till further notice due to ‘operational reasons’ amid escalating tensions between both countries.

“Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice. Please keep checking the BLS website for further updates," India Visa Application Center Canada said in a statement.