Downsizing diplomatic presence, suspension of visa services, & more: A rundown on the latest in India-Canada tensions

The MEA presser was latest in the row that erupted after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of having “potential links” in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June this year. The Indian side, meanwhile, rejected the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “politically motivated”.

Since the Canadian PM’s allegation, the ties between both nations have strained further. Here is a rundown on what has happened between the two nations so far.

1. 01

   'Call upon Indian govt to work with us to ensure accountability & justice', says Justin Trudeau

   Canadian PM Justin Trudeau in his latest statement on Thursday evening said, "We call upon the government of India to take seriously this matter and to work with us to shed full transparency and ensure accountability and justice in this matter. We are a country of the rule of law. We are going to continue to do the work necessary to keep Canadians safe and to uphold our values and the international rules-based order."

2. 02

   New Delhi seeks reduction in Canadian diplomats

   "We've informed the Government of Canada that there should be parity in strength in our mutual diplomatic presence. Their number is very much higher than ours in Canada, so I assume there will be a reduction from the Canadian side. The details are being worked out," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a presser on Thursday.

3. 03

   Canada says High Commission, Consulates in India operational but 'adjusting staff presence'

   Earlier, Canada had clarified that its High Commission and Consulates in India would continue to be open and operational. However, to ‘ensure the safety of its diplomats’, the Canadian government has announced it will be “temporarily” adjusting its staff presence in the country. “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.

4. 04

   No specific intel shared by Canada on killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, says MEA

   Amid allegations and counter-allegations, the MEA said that Canada has shared no specific intel on the case yet. The spokesperson for the Union Ministery added, "From our side, specific evidence about criminal activities by individuals based on the Canadian soil has been shared with Canada but not acted upon."

5. 05

   India suspends visa services in Canada till further notice

   In a drastic move, India suspended visa services in Canada due to "operational reasons". The announcement was made on the website of the visa facility website of the Indian High Commission in Canada.

6. 06

   E-visa services also suspended

   The MEA later elaborated that this included e-visa services to Canadian nationals and Canadian nationals in other countries, too

7. 07

   India urges Canada to take action against individuals facing terrorism charges

   The MEA spokesperson also indicated that the India government has conveyed to the Canadia side that they want them to take action against those facing terrorism charges or send them to India to face justice.

   He said has India put up extradition request or other assistance related at least 20 to 25 individuals in the last few years but there has been no helpful responses from Ottawa.

8. 08

   India issues travel advisory, urges travellers to 'exercise caution'

   The MEA has also issued a travel advisory to all Indian nationals in Canada, saying that those looking to travel there must “exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant” “in view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence” in that country.

   It added, “Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda… Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents.

9. 09

   Canada expels top Indian diplomat; India responds with tit-for-tat move

   On Monday, Canada had expelled a top Indian diplomat as it investigates Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement. In a tit-for-tat move, India also expelled a senior Canadian diplomat.

   In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs said that the concerned diplomat has been asked to leave India within the next five days. "The decision reflects Government of India’s growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti India activities," the statement read