'Inadequate security' prompts India to cancel consular camp in Canada

Tension between India and Canada has been on the boil ever since their diplomatic showdown. MEA in a briefing on Friday stated that consular services have faced a setback due to security concerns.

Tension between India and Canada has been on the boil ever since their diplomatic showdown. MEA in a briefing on Friday stated that consular services have faced a setback due to security concerns.

Randhir Jaiswal, MEA’s spokesperson, confirmed that a recent consular camp in Canada was canceled, citing inadequate security provisions from the Canadian authorities.Jaiswal highlighted, “Yes, our consular camp was canceled because it did not get adequate security from the host government.” Despite this disruption, he assured that similar consular operations would continue in other Canadian cities. “In other parts of Canada like Vancouver, consular camps will continue,” he noted.

Amid these diplomatic issues, the MEA expressed surprise over recent actions in Canada affecting Indian voices online. “We understand that social media pages have been blocked. This happened hours after EAM Jaishankar and Australian FM Wong held a joint press conference. We were surprised. It highlights the hypocrisy of Canada’s freedom of speech,” said Jaiswal.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also discussed its strategic priorities with regard to humanitarian aid, focusing on the importance of Chabahar Port in Iran as a transit route for assistance to Afghanistan. According to MEA spokesperson, Joint Secretary JP Singh met with officials to emphasise the port’s significance as a reliable channel for delivering much-needed aid to the Afghan people.

“Our discussions on Chabahar Port reaffirm India’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan's humanitarian needs, particularly given the challenges in direct routes," explained Jaiswal, reflecting the MEA's stance.