As tensions rise between India and Canada, some in the Indian diaspora say they are concerned about how the situation will affect travel between the two countries.
The federal government on Monday suspended six Indian diplomats after the RCMP said it had credible evidence that Indian operatives were involved in violent crimes, including extortion, coercion and the murder of Canadian citizens in Canada. Banished.
India has ordered six Canadian diplomats to leave the country, saying it has not been presented with any evidence of government involvement in crimes committed in Canada.
Fazle Baqi, director of the South Asia Center in Windsor in southwestern Ontario, said many local residents he has spoken to, particularly families and students, would not be able to travel between India and Canada if the conflict escalated and resulted in visa suspensions. He said he has expressed concerns about whether he will be able to do so.
India began issuing visas to Canadian citizens last September after Canada said it had “credible suspicions” of Indian involvement in the murder of Sikh temple leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. was temporarily suspended.
Mr Baki said the strained diplomatic relations and its latest developments have left many members of his community feeling anxious and he will soon clarify whether it may affect securing and processing visas. He has stated that he would like to do so.
“They’re nervous, they’re concerned, they’re frustrated by the lack of information, and they’re looking for guidance,” he said.
Rama Singh, a former professor at McMaster University and co-chair of Hamilton’s annual Gandhi Peace Festival, holds a card known as an OCI card, which allows overseas nationals unlimited entry into India.
But anchor ont. The resident said some people are planning to visit India in the coming weeks or are still worried about upcoming trips to India as Diwali and wedding season are approaching.
“I want to know right away how things are going because I’m worried about whether I bought a ticket or not,” he said.
This week’s expulsion of Indian diplomats from Canada comes after more than a year of heightened tensions between the two countries following Nijjar’s murder in June 2023, which came to a head.
Diplomatic relations then became strained for several months, with Canada postponing a trade mission to India and both countries expelling top diplomats.
But as tensions rise, Singh says it’s important to remember how Indians have contributed to Canada’s social fabric and the relationships built in local communities.
“The relationship between India and Canada is strong and long-term, and I think it will remain that way,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2024.
