Amid the India-Canada diplomatic row, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said that the Canada’s allegations and action are primarily politically driven.
Addressing the media, Bagchi said, “It is evident to us that there is a certain level of bias at play in this situation. The accusations have been made and subsequent actions taken, and from our perspective, it appears that these allegations from the Canadian government are primarily motivated by political considerations.”
#WATCH | "Yes, I do think there is a degree of prejudice here. They have made allegations and taken action on them. To us, it seems that these allegations by government of Canada are primarily politically driven": MEA spox Arindam Bagchi on India-Canada row pic.twitter.com/75tvsAKRZl
— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023
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“We have communicated to the Canadian government the need for a balanced representation in our respective diplomatic missions. Currently, their diplomatic presence significantly outnumbers ours in Canada… I anticipate that there may be a reduction from the Canadian side,” he said.
#WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "Yes, we've informed the Govt of Canada that there should be parity in strength in our mutual diplomatic presence. Their number is very much higher than ours in Canada… I assume there will be a reduction from the Canadian side." pic.twitter.com/4LIBeyhzBz
— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023
Speaking over the impact of this incident on the country’s international reputation, he said, “When we discuss matters of reputation and potential damage to it, I believe it’s Canada that should be reflecting on this. Its emerging image as a sanctuary for terrorists, extremists, and organized crime is concerning, and it’s Canada’s international reputation that should be a cause for concern.”
#WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "If you're talking about reputational issues and reputational damage, if there's any country that needs to look at this, I think it is Canada and its growing reputation as a place, as a safe haven for terrorists, for extremists, and… pic.twitter.com/F2LZGTJ6b9
— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023
Informing about the surging security at Indian Consulate in Canada, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “We have consistently held the view that the host government is responsible for ensuring security. In certain locations, we may have our own security arrangements in place. However, discussing security measures in a public forum is not appropriate.”
#WATCH | On increasing security at Indian Consulate in Canada, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "We have always believed that it is the host government's responsibility to provide security. Some places we have our own security posture also. But, I don't want to discuss… pic.twitter.com/mOcnctdHs3
— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023
Regarding visa services in Canada, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated, “We are cognizant of the security challenges our High Commission and Consulates are currently encountering in Canada. These challenges have disrupted their usual operations, leading to a temporary suspension in the processing of visa applications. We will be closely monitoring the situation and conducting regular reviews.”
#WATCH | On Visa services in Canada, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "You are aware of the security threats being faced by our High Commission and Consulates in Canada. This has disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly, our High Commission and Consulates are… pic.twitter.com/5nRL8fjeGB
— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023
MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated, “We are open to examining any concrete information that is presented to us. However, as of now, we have not received any specific information from Canada. On our part, we have shared specific evidence regarding criminal activities involving individuals on Canadian soil with Canada, but no action has been taken.”
#WATCH | "We are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us, but so far we have received no specific information from Canada. From our side, specific evidence about criminal activities by individuals based on the Canadian soil has been shared with Canada… pic.twitter.com/1rdHyXlLS7
— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023
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Giving clarity over the inter country travel issue, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “The concern does not pertain to travel to India. Those with valid visas and OCIs are welcome to travel to India. The primary issue is the incitement of violence, the lack of action by Canadian authorities, and the creation of a disruptive environment that affects the operations of our consulates. This is why we have temporarily suspended visa services. We will assess the situation regularly and make decisions accordingly.”
WATCH | "The issue is not about travel to India. Those who have valid visas, OCIs are free to travel to India. The issue is the incitement of violence, inaction by Canadian authorities and the creation of an environment that disrupts the functioning of our consulates which is… pic.twitter.com/fN2cvz6z6V
— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023
Bagchi, MEA Spokesperson, emphasized India’s commitment to providing security to foreign diplomats within its borders. He also noted the expectation that Canadian authorities would demonstrate a similar level of sensitivity and responsibility toward Indian diplomats in Canada in response to reports of threats to Canadian diplomats in India.
#WATCH | "We take our obligations very seriously. We will be certainly providing all security to foreign diplomats in India. We also expect Canadian authorities to show similar sensitivity to our diplomats in Canada": MEA Spox on the question of reports of threats to Canadian… pic.twitter.com/QJSNhpcjpf
— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023
Alleging that the Canada government is providing safe haven to the terrorists, MEA Spokesperson expressed India’s concern about individuals with terrorism charges finding a safe haven in Canada.
#WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "Safe haven is being provided in Canada, we want the Canadian govt to not do so and take action against those who have terrorism charges or send them here to face justice…We've sought either extradition request or assistance… pic.twitter.com/0ikMJFu8M6
— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023
He highlighted India’s requests for extradition or assistance regarding more than 20-25 such individuals over the years but noted that the response from Canadian authorities had not been helpful in addressing this issue.
