The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has cancelled consular camps in Canada, citing a lack of adequate security assurances from the Canadian authorities. The move comes after a series of security concerns, including an attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, and growing incidents of intimidation and harassment targeting Indian diplomats.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a press conference, highlighted that India had requested security for its diplomats in Canada, especially in areas where consular camps were scheduled. However, these security measures were not provided, prompting the cancellation of the camps. “Over the last year, and even longer, we have seen a disturbing trend of threats, intimidation, and harassment against Indian diplomats. These threats have intensified, with our diplomats being placed under surveillance, which is completely unacceptable,” Jaiswal said.
The consular camps, which are routine events organised by Indian diplomatic missions in Canada, provide essential services such as issuing life certificates and assisting Indian nationals with various paperwork. They are particularly important for the large Indian diaspora in Canada, especially as the end of the year approaches when many seek to complete necessary formalities for pensions and other activities in India.
Jaiswal confirmed that the consular camp scheduled for the weekend in Toronto had been cancelled due to security concerns. “We were not given the necessary security or assurances from the host government,” he explained. “This camp, like others, is vital for both Indian nationals and people of Indian origin who may now hold citizenship elsewhere.”
Following a recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, where men breached the gates of the temple while the Indian High Commission in Ottawa was conducting a consular camp, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the violence. The Prime Minister described the attack as a “deliberate act” against the Hindu community in Canada and criticised what he termed “cowardly attempts” to intimidate Indian diplomats.
The Indian High Commission had previously reported that anti-India elements had disrupted a consular camp in Brampton on 3 November, forcing officials to take action. “It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work,” a statement from the High Commission read. “Despite the disruptions, we were able to issue over 1,000 life certificates to both Indian and Canadian applicants.”
In addition to the Brampton incident, there were also attempts to disrupt consular camps in Vancouver and Surrey earlier that same week. The High Commission assured the public that, despite these challenges, alternative arrangements would be made to continue providing services, though this may cause some inconvenience to users of the services.
The cancellation of consular camps and the ongoing security concerns underline the tensions between India and Canada over the safety of Indian diplomats and citizens in the country. India has repeatedly raised these issues with the Canadian government, demanding stronger protection for its diplomatic staff and community members.
