New Delhi, India — India’s government has called for a comprehensive investigation into the killings of three Indian students in Canada, describing the incidents as “terrible tragedies.” In a recent statement, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s External Affairs Ministry, emphasized the urgency of addressing safety concerns for Indian nationals in Canada, asserting that their security remains a high priority for India.
During a weekly media briefing, Jaiswal expressed the country’s sorrow over the deaths, extending condolences to the families of the victims. He noted that Indian diplomatic missions in Canada, including the High Commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, are actively involved in offering assistance and are coordinating with Canadian law enforcement to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the murders.
This diplomatic action comes during a period of strained relations between India and Canada. Tensions have recently escalated following accusations from Canada that linked Indian diplomats to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada last year. India has denied these allegations vehemently and responded by recalling its high commissioner and expelling several Canadian diplomats from India.
In conjunction to seeking justice for the slain students, the Indian foreign ministry has also advised Indian nationals and students in Canada to exercise increased caution. This advisory pertains to the growing concerns over hate crimes and safety in general, which have negatively affected the Indian community in Canada, according to Jaiswal.
With over 400,000 Indian students in Canada, the issue of safety has serious implications for both educational aspirations and diplomatic relations. The recent advisory, and the diplomatic engagements following the killings, underscore the challenges faced by the Indian diaspora and the impact of larger geopolitical tensions on individual security.
Furthermore, the controversy extends to accusations in Canadian media regarding the Indian High Commission’s visa policies, which Jaiswal dismissed as a “disinformation” campaign intended to tarnish India’s image. He defended India’s right to grant or deny visas as a sovereign function and criticized Canadian media reports as interference in India’s internal affairs.
The ongoing disputes saw a sharp turn in October, when Canada expelled the Indian High Commissioner and several diplomats, alleging involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Sikh separatist. In retaliation, India expelled Canada’s Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler, along with five other Canadian diplomats, heightening the diplomatic rift.
The situation remains delicate as both nations engage in diplomatic maneuvers, with potential consequences for the large community of Indian students abroad, bilateral relations, and the broader aspects of international diplomacy and community safety. The resolution of these investigations and diplomatic discussions will likely influence the trajectory of Indo-Canadian relations in the coming years.