EAM S Jaishankar Says Parliamentary Panel Visa Halt For Canadians Conditional: Report

Reportedly, during the meeting, the MPs raised several questions about the ongoing diplomatic stand-off between India and Canada.

While the MPs appreciated India’s G20 presidency, they also sought answers on the India-Canada row, which has led to decisions such as halting of visas for Canadians and India seeking parity in diplomatic presence, India Today reported.

On the issue of the suspension of visas for Canadians, the External Affairs Minister said it was not a “retaliatory” measure, but one to ensure the safety of the Indian diplomats, the report quoting sources said.?

"Curtailing services is because Indian diplomats are not safe in Canada. It is not a permanent decision but one that is conditional. The suspension of the visa situation may improve if and when the situation becomes better for Indians serving in embassies and consulates in Canada," the report quoted Jaishankar as having said.

Jaishankar as per the report told the consultative committee members, “We can open tomorrow if our diplomats are provided security.”

On the issue of downsizing the Canadian mission in India to bring parity in numbers with Indian missions in Canada, Jaishankar said that New Delhi had been left with no choice, the report mentioned.

“They are not willing to provide security, but want full immunity for their diplomats while they continue to interfere in our internal affairs and allow billboards threatening our diplomats to be put up in the name of freedom of speech. They have forced our hand on this,”Jaishankar told the members, the report said.

The report quoting sources said that during the meeting, the MPs discussed whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau had discussed the allegations of Indian agencies’ involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The two leaders held talks on the sidelines of the G20 Summit held last month in New Delhi.

Diplomatic relations between India and Canada soured after Trudeau, on September 19, alleged a "potential" involvement of Indian agents" in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has rubbished the claims.