India has asked Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff at the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi amid tensions between the two countries after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
"We have informed the Canadian government that there should be parity in strength in our mutual diplomatic presence. Their number here (in India) are very much higher than ours in Canada. The details of this are being worked out but I assume there will be reduction," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a press briefing on Thursday while called allegations by Canada "politically motivated".
'No Information Shared By Canada On Nijjar Killing'
Bagchi said no specific information was shared by Canada on Nijjar's killing. "We are willing to look at any specific information shared with them but so far nothing has been shared by them. From our side, specific evidence about criminal activities by individuals based on the Canadian soil has been shared with Canada but not acted upon," he said.
The MEA spokespeson said Indian diplomats were facing threats in Canada and said the country needs to look into its growing reputation of being a safe haven for terrorists, extremists.
"There are security threats to our diplomatic staff there. The larger issue with Canada is that of terrorism and safe havens have been provided there," the MEA spokesperson said.
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'All Categories Of Visas Suspended'
On Thursday, India suspended visa services for Canadians till further notice "due to operational reasons". The MEA said the visa services were stopped for Canadians due to inaction by the Canadian government. However, the MEA said those with valid visas and OCI cards could travel freely.
"All categories of visas are suspended. We will review it regularly. The issue is not about travel to India but the issue is incitement of violence and inaction by the Canadian government. Those who have valid visas and OCI cards can travel freely," Bagchi said.
"If there is any country that needs to look at its reputational damage it is Canada," he said.
How India Reacted To Canada's Allegations
Earlier this week, the Indian government termed the accusations by Trudeau "absurd and motivated". "Such unsubstantiated allegations seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the MEA further said.
Canada also expelled Indian diplomat Pavan Kumar Rai, who was deputed by the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). On Thursday, the MEA said India was "made aware" that Rai was asked to leave.
In a tit-for-tat move, India asked Olivier Sylvestere, the Canadian intelligence agency station chief in India, to leave the country in the next five days.
India has also issued a strongly-worded travel advisory for Indians going to Canada, updating the one issued in September 2022.
The MEA advised Indian citizens in Canada and those contemplating travelling there to exercise "utmost caution" amid growing anti-India activities and "politically-condoned" hate crimes in the country.
Amid the growing tensions, the Canadian High Commission in Delhi clarified that all its consulates in India were open and operational.
"With some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms, Global Affairs Canada is assessing its staff complement in India. As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India," the High Commission said.