Ties nosedive as visas for Canadians stopped

NT Correspondent

New Delhi: In a blunt and clear message, India on Thursday asked Canada to come down hard on terrorists and anti-India elements operating from its soil and suspended visa services for Canadians, as escalating tensions between the two nations over the killing of a Khalistani separatist in June pushed their ties to an all-time low.

Signalling a hardening of its position, India also asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic staff in the country, arguing that there should be parity in strength and rank equivalence in the mutual diplomatic presence.

The size of Canadian diplomatic staff in India is larger than what New Delhi has in Canada.

At a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Canada has not shared any information relating to the June killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and said New Delhi has apprised its partners and friends about its position on the case.

"We are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us (in the case), but so far we have received no specific information from Canada," he said, replying to a question on whether India will join the investigation into the case as suggested by the US, the UK and Australia.

Tensions flared between India and Canada early this week following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's explosive allegations of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar on his country's soil on June 18 in British Columbia. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020.

"If you're talking about reputational issues and reputational damage, if there is any country that needs to look at this, I think it is Canada and its growing reputation as a place, as a safe haven for terrorists, for extremists, and for organised crime. And I think that's a country that needs to worry about its international reputation," he said.

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

The spokesperson's confirmation of visa suspension came after a series of flip-flops earlier in the day when BLS International, a private agency hired by India to carry out initial scrutiny of visa applications of Canadians, put out a note on its website on suspension of visa services due to "operational reasons", withdrew it within hours and then again put it back online.

Asked about Trudeau's allegations, Bagchi described them as "politically motivated" and that there is a "degree of prejudice".

Who stands to gain...& lose?

• Canada accounts for 0.56% of the total FDI in India
•  Canadian population has 5.26% Indians
• Every 7th Indian student studying abroad is in Canada
•  Canada is fourth largest source of tourists in India
• Bilateral trade with Canada accounts for only 0.70% of India’s total trade

Top 5 Indian imports from Canada

• COOKING COAL
• POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
• LENTILS lNEWSPRINT
• WOOD PULP

Canada has an estimated 1.4 to 1.8 million Indian-origin people, including the largest Sikh population in the world outside of India’s Punjab state. 

Canadian Indians' kin a worried lot

Families of those studying or working in Canada are worried and hope that both nations resolve the issue amicably.

Rishipal, a local shopkeeper in Kapurthala, Punjab said that he is worried about the safety of his daughter, who went to Canada eight months ago on a study visa.

Amid row, Canada-based don Sukhdul killed

Gangster Sukhdul Singh alias Sukha Duneke, one of Punjab's most wanted criminals, was killed in the Canadian city of Winnipeg by unidentified people, sources said on Thursday.

"It is believed to be the result of inter-gang rivalry," a source said.

The killing of the Canada-based gangster, who had at least 18 cases against him including those for murder, attempt to murder and robbery, took place on Wednesday night.

Hailing from Duneke Kalan village in Punjab's Moga district, the gangster fled to Canada in December 2017.