India’s external affairs ministry has rubbished Canadian media claims about India using visa denials to suppress pro-Khalistan Canadians, labeling it as interference in India’s sovereign decisions.
The ministry criticized the News report titled “Visas have become an Indian foreign interference tool” for spreading false information. The article claimed that Canadian citizens expressing support for Khalistan were being forced to sign documents denouncing Khalistan and declaring loyalty to India before receiving visas.
Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated: “We view this as another instance of Canadian media spreading disinformation to damage India’s reputation. Issuing visas, whether Indian or any other nationality, remains a sovereign function. Regarding Indian visas specifically, we maintain our sovereign authority to refuse visas to individuals who challenge our territorial unity. The Canadian media’s coverage of this issue amounts to meddling in India’s sovereign matters.”
While diplomatic tensions continue with Canada over the controversy surrounding Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death, India recently reinforced its advisory for Indians residing in Canada after three Indian students lost their lives in the North American nation in recent times.
Two were victims of homicide while the third died in a tree-related accident. Speaking about these incidents, Jaiswal remarked: “We are deeply saddened by these tragic events affecting our citizens in Canada. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the affected families. Our diplomatic missions in Toronto and Vancouver are providing all necessary assistance and coordinating with local authorities to ensure thorough investigations into these cases.”
The ministry has emphasized that protecting Indian nationals’ safety, security, and well-being in Canada remains India’s top priority, Jaiswal noted that the high commission and consulates regularly discuss challenges faced by Indian citizens, particularly students, with Canadian officials. “We have issued guidance to our citizens and students to practice extreme caution and stay alert given Canada’s deteriorating security situation, marked by increasing hate crimes and violent crime
