Canada government hints at potential sanctions against India as diplomatic tensions escalate
Ottawa: Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has suggested that sanctions against India could be on the horizon amid the deepening diplomatic rift between the two countries.
In a statement earlier today, Joly remarked that "everything is on the table" when questioned about the possibility of imposing sanctions on India. This follows accusations from the Indian government, alleging that Canada is providing a safe haven for Khalistani terrorists.
The situation has escalated following the expulsion of diplomats by both nations. Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, while India responded by criticising the move and dismissing the allegations as "ludicrous" and politically driven.
The tensions were further exacerbated by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistani leader, in June 2023. India has firmly denied any involvement in the matter, calling the accusations "absurd."
Joly further said that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had gathered substantial evidence in the Nijjar case, which led to the decision to expel the Indian diplomats. She also urged India to cooperate in the investigation to benefit both nations.
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Govt launches Haj Suvidha App 2.0 for ease of pilgrims
New Delhi, Nov 23: The Minority Affairs Ministry on Saturday launched the Haj Suvidha App 2.0 with the new version introducing key features such as air travel details, a navigation system with Mina maps, and medical history and health advisories for Indian pilgrims going on Haj.
The application was launched by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju after he inaugurated the Conference of Chairpersons of State and UT Haj Committees in the presence of Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian and Chairman of the Haj Committee of India Abdullahkutti, among others.
In his address, Rijiju noted that the Haj pilgrimage is the largest logistical operation undertaken annually by the government of India beyond its borders.
He emphasised that Haj has long been a cornerstone of the strong bilateral relationship between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Rijiju highlighted several significant reforms aimed at improving the pilgrimage experience, including the removal of the discretionary quota, the integration of technology through the Haj Suvidha App, and the provision of facilities for female pilgrims without Mehram.
Kurian spoke about the new measures being implemented for Haj 2025, designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of the Indian pilgrims.
Among the key initiatives, he mentioned the procurement of modern buildings with lifts not only in Aziziya but also in nearby areas close to the Haram.
Additionally, the latest model buses will be introduced for travel between Makkah, Madinah, and within the Mashaer region.
The conference, organised by the Haj Committee of India under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, also marked the launch of the Haj Suvidha App 2.0 by Rijiju.
Building on the success of the Haj Suvidha App 1.0 in 2024, the new version introduces key features such as the selection process, boarding pass and air travel details, a navigation system with Mina maps, and medical history and health advisories for Indian pilgrims.
The conference included discussions on stakeholder feedback, suggestions and preparations.
