- By Vivek Raj
- Fri, 22 Sep 2023 11:23 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Canada's accusation against India in the case of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing has sparked a significant diplomatic confrontation, marking an unusual standoff for India with the Western nation. Several steps have been taken by both countries in the aftermath of Trudeau's accusations.
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Let's take a look at five major actions India took against Canada amid the ongoing row:
1. India's first retaliatory action was the expulsion of a Canadian diplomat in response to Canada's expulsion of an Indian diplomat following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations. As tensions escalated, India on Tuesday summoned the Canadian High Commissioner to convey the expulsion of a senior diplomat, who was granted five days to depart from India.
2. Accusing Canada of meddling in its internal matters, the government has called for a reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats stationed in India. "We have informed the Canadian government that there should be parity in diplomatic presence. Their numbers are very much higher than ours in Canada...I assume there will be a reduction," said the foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
3. On Wednesday, India issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens residing in Canada and those planning to travel there to exercise vigilance. This came in the wake of Canada's travel advisory for India. India's advisory highlighted concerns about the escalating anti-India activities and the presence of "politically condoned hate crimes" in Canada. However, Canada refuted India's advisory, asserting its status as one of the safest countries globally.
4. In the wake of the incident, India on Thursday suspended visa services in Canada citing the "security threats" confronting its High Commission and consulates. This move has had repercussions, impacting numerous Canadian tourists, business travelers, and even some former Indian citizens. "You are aware of the security threats being faced by our High Commissions and Consulates in Canada... this has disrupted their normal functioning," the ministry said.
5. Indian Foreign Ministry said Canada hasn't shared any information with India regarding the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Indian side accused Canada of neglecting to take action on "specific evidence of criminal activities" involving individuals based in Canada. The Indian government had previously expressed deep concern over Canadian political figures openly expressing sympathy for “such elements”.
