Canada : Visa Demands Spark Diplomatic Dispute with India

Canada : In the midst of the recently concluded mega G20 summit in India, where leaders from across the globe congregated to discuss critical global issues, the spotlight has shifted to the growing friction between India and Canada. While the event was marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s camaraderie with world leaders such as US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and French President Emmanuel Macron, among others, a simmering controversy has emerged that demands attention.

Vivek Katju, a retired Indian diplomat with extensive experience, including serving as ambassador in Afghanistan and Myanmar, made startling revelations during a discussion on the underlying causes of the tensions between the two nations. Katju shed light on Canada’s practice of not only rejecting visas for Indian security personnel who have served in the sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir but also demanding detailed information about their service locations in their visa applications.

He disclosed, “Canada regularly denies visas to members of our security forces who have served in Jammu and Kashmir. Canada has also denied visas to members of our services, about which we do not talk about and I don’t wish to talk about, including very senior people who have served in these services. Canada, while asking for visa applications, demands that these security personnel should inform the Canadians of the places where they have served. That is very often confidential.”

Katju’s revelations, made during a debate hosted by Shiv Aroor on India Today TV, have raised questions about the transparency and fairness of Canada’s visa application process for Indian security personnel. He emphasized the need for the Indian government to address this issue promptly.

He stated, “Now, I do not know if the government of India has ever objected to it or if it has taken it up. It goes back to the time when I was secretary in the ministry (Ministry of External Affairs) and in charge of the management of relations with Canada. I remember then, and I think it is important for your viewers to know, that they had done so with a member of the Border Security Force (BSF) and I had called the Canadian high commissioner in and said this is unacceptable.”

Furthermore, journalist Gaurav C Sawant elaborated on the issue, revealing that Canada’s visa application process includes a detailed section for retired officers to specify their service details, including whether they served in CRPF, BSF, Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force, and even demands information about their service in Jammu and Kashmir.

He added, “If you have served in Jammu and Kashmir you are supposed to mention the year that you served in Jammu and Kashmir, the area you have served in Jammu and Kashmir and the duty, whether you were a brigade commander or a division commander in Kulgam, in Wussan, in Kangan. All of that you are supposed to mention, and India has objected to it.”

The controversy surrounding Canada’s visa application process is just one facet of the strained relations between the two countries. Canada’s provision of a safe haven for pro-Khalistan terrorists and separatist elements has been a longstanding point of contention. Hindu temples in Canada have been targeted with desecration and vandalism, raising concerns about the safety of the Indian diaspora.

Recently, Khalistani extremists vandalized the Shree Mata Bhameshwari Durga Devi Society in Surrey, British Columbia, and sprayed anti-India graffiti on its walls. This incident marked the second attack on a Hindu temple in Canada’s Surrey, British Columbia, by Khalistani elements. Such actions have created a climate of fear within the Indian community in Canada.

The extremist elements have also made threats against Indian diplomats and incited violence, further straining bilateral relations. The Indian government has repeatedly called on Canada to take action against pro-Khalistan activists within its borders and to ensure the safety and security of the Indian diaspora.

Canada & Prime Minister

Despite these concerns, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has faced criticism for what some perceive as a lack of substantial action against pro-Khalistan elements. His government’s response to protests and demonstrations linked to these groups has raised eyebrows in India.

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