India’s Ministry of External Affairs responds to visa denials, Indian student safety concerns in Canada, and evacuation of citizens from Syria.
During the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal addressed reports from Canada regarding denial of Indian visas to some applicants. Reports claim that India has been denying visas to people with pro-Khalistan ideologies, requiring them to categorically deny support for separatism. Jaiswal made it clear that granting Indian visas is a sovereign decision of the country. He said India has a constitutional right to deny visas to those who threaten its territorial integrity.
The spokesperson also expressed India’s grief over the recent killing of Indian students in Canada. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families, mentioning that the Indian High Commission and Consulate in Toronto and Vancouver have provided all necessary assistance. Two Indian nationals tragically died in Canada in December. A 26-year-old youth named Pritpal Singh was shot dead and 20-year-old Harshandeep Singh was also shot dead in Edmonton. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of Indian nationals, especially students, in Canada.
Jaiswal assured that the safety and security of Indian citizens in Canada, especially students, is of utmost importance to India. The Government of India has been regularly raising issues related to the welfare of its citizens with the Canadian authorities. In addition, an advisory has been issued urging Indian citizens and students to exercise caution and be vigilant in view of increasing hate crimes and violent incidents in Canada.
On a different matter, the spokesperson was asked about the security of Indian citizens in Syria. He assured that the Indian Embassy in Damascus is actively working to ensure the safety of Indian citizens there. A total of 77 Indian citizens have been evacuated from Syria. Embassy staff assisted them at the border, where they were received by the Indian Mission in Lebanon. Arrangements were made for them to stay in Beirut and return to India. Most of the Indian nationals in Syria have already returned and the remaining nationals are expected to return soon.