India-Canada : Jaishankar Says Visa Suspension Isn’t Permanent

Jaishankar : In the midst of the escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on October 7th, shedding light on the suspension of visas for Canadians. Contrary to earlier assumptions, Jaishankar emphasized that this move is conditional and not a permanent decision, as reported by India Today.

Jaishankar Comment for Visa Suspension

The Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting, originally convened to discuss India’s G20 Presidency, took an unexpected turn as several members raised concerns about the suspension of visa services for Canadians. While acknowledging India’s leadership during its G20 Presidency, many MPs sought clarification on this visa issue.

Jaishankar took the opportunity to clarify India’s position, stating, “Curtailing visa services is not a retaliatory action, but rather an effort to protect the safety of Indian diplomats stationed in Canada.” Sources close to the External Affairs Minister reported this to India Today, highlighting the importance of safeguarding Indian diplomatic staff.

“The suspension of the visa situationJaishankar may improve if and when the situation becomes better for Indians serving in embassies and consulates in Canada,” the sources added, reflecting the conditional nature of the decision.

Furthermore,  conveyed a message to the consultative committee members, saying, “We can open the visa services tomorrow if our diplomats are provided with adequate security.” This statement underscores India’s commitment to maintaining diplomatic relations, contingent on the safety of its personnel abroad.

The India-Canada standoff has its roots in allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last month. Trudeau claimed that “Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the government of India and the killing” of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. The incident occurred on June 18 in British Columbia. India swiftly dismissed the assertion as ‘absurd’ and responded with a series of restrictive measures. To date, Canada has not provided any public evidence to substantiate the allegations regarding Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing.

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