India has condemned the recent killings of three Indian students in Canada, describing the incidents as “terrible tragedies” and reaffirming the country’s commitment to the safety and security of its nationals abroad. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa has raised the matter with Canadian authorities, urging them to ensure the safety of Indian citizens in the country.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at a media briefing on Friday, expressed deep sorrow over the murders. “In the last week or so, we have had unfortunate tragedies. Three Indian students have been murdered. We are saddened by these terrible tragedies that have struck our nationals in Canada,” he said.
Jaiswal extended condolences to the families of the victims and confirmed that India’s diplomatic missions in Canada, including the High Commission in Ottawa and Consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, are providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families.
The Indian government has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the deaths, with Jaiswal stating that the Indian missions are in regular contact with local authorities to ensure a thorough probe into the incidents.
The tragic killings come amid strained relations between India and Canada, with both countries embroiled in diplomatic tensions in recent months. Jaiswal highlighted that issues faced by Indian students in Canada, particularly concerns over their safety, are regularly raised with Canadian authorities.
“We have also issued an advisory for our nationals and Indian students to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant in view of the deteriorating security environment in Canada, especially due to the growing incidence of hate crimes and criminal violence,” he added.
There are currently over 400,000 Indian students studying in Canada, according to official data.
The call for heightened security and a thorough investigation into the students’ deaths comes against the backdrop of deteriorating India-Canada relations. Diplomatic ties plunged in October after Canada linked the Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and other diplomats to the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.
India strongly rejected the allegations, and in response, recalled its high commissioner from Ottawa. In retaliation, Canada expelled Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner and several others. Subsequently, India expelled Canadian Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler and five other diplomats.
When questioned about recent media reports alleging that the Indian High Commission in Ottawa had refused visas to certain individuals, Jaiswal dismissed them as part of a “disinformation” campaign.
“We have seen the said media report. It is yet another example of Canadian media’s disinformation to malign India,” he stated.
Jaiswal emphasised that visa decisions are a matter of India’s sovereignty, saying, “Granting of Indian visas is our sovereign function, and we have the legitimate right to deny visas to those who undermine our territorial integrity.” He further condemned the Canadian media’s commentary on the issue, calling it “foreign interference in India’s sovereign affairs.”
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