Canada temporarily adjusts staff presence in India amid Nijjar killing row: Report

Canada has decided to temporarily adjust its staff presence in India out of a precaution of caution to ensure the safety of diplomats amid escalating tensions between the two countries, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson for the North American country said, while citing threat posts on social media platforms.

" With some diplomats have received threats on various social media platforms, Global Affairs Canada is assessing its staff complement in India. As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India."

Apart from this, Canada has also demanded increased security for its embassies, consulates, and high commissions, including those in Mumbai, Chandigarh, Bengaluru, and New Delhi. On the other hand, security at Indian missions in Canada after the Sikhs for Justice posted "Kill India" posters in July.

India urged for more security at its consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, as well as at the High Commission in Ottawa after the SFJ threatened to " shut down Indian missions" on September 25, by labeling them as " terror houses."

However, the Canadian government on Wednesday discarded India's travel warning for its citizens to exercise caution while traveling to Canada. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said, "Canada is a safe country."

Canadian MP Chandra Arya alleged that extremist elements are "attacking" and "threatening" Canadian Hindus to return to India. He urged all Hindu Canadians in the country to remain calm and vigilant and report any untoward incident to law enforcement agencies.

“A few days back, the leader of the Khalistan movement in Canada and the head of Sikhs for Justice, which is organizing the so-called referendum, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, attacked Hindu Canadians asking us to leave Canada and go back to India.” Arya posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“I have heard from many Hindu Canadians that they are afraid after this targeted attack. I urge Hindu Canadians to remain calm but vigilant. Please report any incidents of Hinduphobia to your local law enforcement agencies," he added.

Also Read: India-Canada relations: How could trade be affected as tensions rise?