Canada-India tensions spark travel concerns among Indian diaspora
The federal government expelled six Indian diplomats on Monday after the RCMP said it had credible evidence that Indian agents played a role in violent crimes on Canadian soil, including extortion, coercion and murder of Canadian citizens.
As tensions rise between India and Canada, members of the Indian diaspora are expressing concern about how the situation could impact travel between the two countries.
The Canadian government expelled six Indian diplomats on Monday, citing credible evidence from the RCMP that Indian agents were involved in violent crimes on Canadian soil, including extortion, coercion, and the murder of Canadian citizens.
India has denied any government involvement in these crimes, stating it has not been provided with evidence, and, in response, ordered six Canadian diplomats to leave.
Fazle Baki, president of the South Asian Centre of Windsor in Ontario, said that many community members, particularly families and students, are worried about the possibility of travel disruptions if tensions escalate to the suspension of visa services.
In September last year, India temporarily halted visa services for Canadian citizens after Canada accused Indian agents of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh temple leader in British Columbia.
Baki noted that the community is feeling uneasy due to the ongoing diplomatic strain and the uncertainty about future travel and visa processing.
“They’re tense, they’re concerned, they’re frustrated with the lack of information, and they’re looking for guidance,” he said.
Rama Singh, a retired McMaster University professor and co-chair of Hamilton’s annual Gandhi Peace Festival, holds an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, which grants him unlimited entry to India.
However, Singh, who resides in Ancaster, Ontario, remains anxious about his upcoming trip to India, especially as Diwali and the wedding season approach.
“I’m concerned that I have bought tickets, and I would like to know soon which way things are moving,” he said.
The expulsion of Indian diplomats follows over a year of rising tensions, peaking after Nijjar's murder in June 2023. Since then, diplomatic relations have deteriorated, with Canada postponing a trade mission to India and both countries expelling high-level diplomats.
Despite these tensions, Singh stressed the importance of recognizing the contributions of Indians to Canadian society and the enduring relationships between the two nations.
“I think India and Canada’s relations are solid and long term, and will remain,” he said.
