Canada has laid off dozens of Indian staffers from its diplomatic missions in India apparently because of the reduction of Canadian staff available to “effectively manage and maintain in-country operations”.
India had last year expelled 41 Canadian diplomats to ensure parity in diplomatic presence, following which Canada had shut in-person operations in its Mumbai, Chandigarh and Bengaluru consulates.
Less than 100 retrenched
There was no official word on the number of employees retrenched but it is less than 100. Confirming the “staff reductions”, a media relations official in the high commission said the decision was sadly necessary given the departure of Canadian staff last year.
The official expressed sincere gratitude for the resilience, dedication and service of local staff in India. Canada would continue to deliver core services to Canadians in India, including consular support and trade and business development support so that the citizens of the two countries could continue to benefit from the long-standing ties between Canadians and Indians, the official added. He also mentioned that Canada’s visa application centres in India are operating as usual.
Earlier, India had expelled diplomats after a spat with Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation that Indian government officials were involved in the murder of Khalistan leader Hardeep Nijjar in the Vancouver area. The Indian government accused the diplomats of interfering in India’s internal affairs.
Trudeau raises Nijjar issue again
Meanwhile, Trudeau raised the Nijjar issue again on Wednesday, while testifying before a committee that is probing allegations of foreign interference in Canadian allegations, saying his government remains committed to protecting the freedoms of Canadians.
He also accused the previous Conservative government of having a “very cosy relationship with the current Indian government”.
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