Canada Adjusts Diplomatic Staff Presence in India Amidst Escalating Tensions

In response to the recent diplomatic turmoil ignited by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claim of Indian involvement in the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada has made the decision to "temporarily adjust staff presence in India." This move has been motivated by a genuine concern for the safety of Canadian diplomats, as they have reportedly received threats on social media platforms, according to a spokesperson for Canada's foreign ministry. To protect their diplomatic staff in India, Canada is taking this step.

The tensions between Canada and India escalated rapidly, resulting in reciprocal expulsions of senior diplomats. India, in light of the growing anti-India activities and what it referred to as "politically-condoned hate crimes" in Canada, issued an advisory to its citizens residing in Canada, urging them to exercise the utmost caution.

Canadian newspaper The National Post quoted a spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada, the country's foreign ministry, explaining their decision, "With some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms, Global Affairs Canada is assessing its staff complement in India." The spokesperson further stated, "As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India. All of our locations are staffed by diplomats and locally engaged staff to ensure business and operational continuity."

Canada has also taken steps to bolster security around its diplomatic missions, including the high commission in New Delhi and consulates in Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru. In doing so, they are drawing upon the provisions of the Vienna Convention, which safeguards diplomats and diplomatic premises.

The spokesperson asked increased security for diplomatic staff by saying, "We expect India to provide for the security of our accredited diplomats and consular officers in India, just as we are for theirs here."

Likewise, security measures have been elevated at India's missions in Canada, specifically for senior diplomats. This heightened security response follows actions by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which circulated "Kill India" posters in July, followed by a series of other materials blaming New Delhi for Nijjar's assassination on June 18. India has formally asked for additional security at the Indian high commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver. The Sikhs For Justice (SJF) issued a open threat to shut down the Indian consulates in Canada on the coming September 25 and now have issued open threat to Hindus living in Canada to leave the country.

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