India resumes select visa services in Canada amid diplomatic tensions
New Delhi: India has decided to resume certain visa services in Canada, including entry, business, medical, and conference visas, following a month-long suspension. The move comes amidst strained relations between New Delhi and Ottawa, primarily due to the killing of Sikh separatist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The Indian High Commission in Ottawa issued a statement stating that after a thorough review of the security situation, taking recent Canadian measures into account, the decision to restart visa services was made. However, tourist visas remain excluded from this resumption.
Visa services were temporarily suspended last month due to heightened security threats to Indian missions and diplomats. In July, Indian High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Verma, and Consul General in Toronto, Apoorva Srivastava, were targeted in posters allegedly circulated by Sikh extremists. These posters accused them of involvement in Nijjar's killing.
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the paramount importance of diplomats' safety and security, stating that the decision to halt visa issuance in Canada was made to ensure the well-being of Indian diplomatic staff.
Tensions between India and Canada escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that authorities were investigating potential links between Indian government agents and Nijjar's killing. India dismissed these allegations as baseless and motivated, leading to the expulsion of diplomats from both countries.
Last week, the Canadian government withdrew 41 diplomats and 42 dependents, asserting that India's request for diplomatic parity was a violation of international law and the Vienna Convention. Canadian officials criticized India's response as "unreasonable and escalatory."
India countered these allegations, citing the need for mutual diplomatic presence based on the bilateral relations between the two nations. Government sources referred to Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), highlighting India's right to limit the size of diplomatic missions based on what it deems reasonable and normal.
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Lokayukta ADGP M. Chandrasekhar calls Kumaraswamy’s allegations ‘false, malicious’
Bengaluru: Lokayukta ADGP and Special Investigation Team (SIT) chief M. Chandrasekhar has strongly refuted the accusations of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and termed it ‘false and malicious.’
"HD Kumaraswamy, an accused in SIT's case no.16/14, made false and malicious allegations and threats in a press conference today," said Chandrashekar.
Chandrasekhar stated that these allegations were aimed at intimidating SIT officers, particularly as the SIT has sought legal action against Kumaraswamy, who is currently out on bail. "These accusations were made to prevent us from fulfilling our duties," Chandrasekhar remarked, adding that no matter the status of the accused, they will be treated fairly and according to the law.
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He further mentioned, “By attacking me, they may have intended to strike fear in the minds of the SIT officers. However, Chandrasekhar said that no matter how high in position and mighty an accused is, he is just an accused. We will not be deterred by such accusations and threats. I work fearlessly and impartially as SIT head, and promise to give justice to all. I also promise to protect you from criminals and accused in our cases and from external influences.”
Retorting to Kumaraswamy's allegations, Chandrashekar cited George Bernard Shaw’s famous quote, "Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it," explaining that although they may have to face criminals and accusations in their line of duty, they must remain steadfast in their mission.
“Never lose hope. Because truth always wins. Let us believe in truth, God and our law.Satyameva Jayate,” the letter read.
