The Indian government has strongly raised concerns with Canadian authorities following the tragic murders of three Indian students in Canada last week, highlighting the growing unease regarding the safety of Indian nationals in the country. This statement was made by Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on Friday. The MEA expressed deep sorrow over these incidents, referring to them as "unfortunate tragedies," and extended condolences to the families of the victims. "We are saddened by these terrible tragedies that have struck our nationals in Canada," Jaiswal stated during the press briefing.
The Indian High Commission in Ottawa, along with the consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, have been working tirelessly to offer support to the victims' families, assisting in any way possible with the ongoing investigations. "Our High Commission and Consulates are extending all possible help in the matter," Jaiswal added. The Indian missions in Canada have also been in constant contact with local Canadian law enforcement agencies, urging them to expedite a thorough and transparent investigation into the murders. This coordination is part of the Indian government's broader efforts to ensure justice for the victims and to highlight the issue of increasing violence against Indian nationals in Canada.
Jaiswal emphasized that the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad, particularly Indian students, remains a paramount priority for the Indian government. In the wake of the murders, he issued a public advisory, urging Indian nationals, especially students, to exercise "extreme caution" and remain vigilant. This advisory comes in response to the growing incidents of hate crimes, racial violence, and criminal activities in Canada that have been reported in recent months, which have disproportionately affected the Indian community.
Currently, there are over 400,000 Indian students studying in Canada, making it one of the largest international student populations in the country. As these incidents raise concerns about the security of students and other Indian nationals, the Indian government has been actively engaging with Canadian authorities to explore ways to address these growing safety concerns. The Indian missions have been working around the clock to provide assistance to families affected by these tragedies, ensuring that they are supported in the legal and procedural matters related to the cases.
In addition to addressing the violence, Jaiswal also responded to recent media reports alleging delays in visa issuance by the Indian High Commission in Canada. He categorically rejected these claims as "misinformation" and accused Canadian media of attempting to malign India by spreading false narratives. "We have seen the said media report. It is yet another example of the Canadian media's disinformation campaign to malign India," he said. Jaiswal clarified that visa issuance is a sovereign function of the Indian government and reiterated that India reserves the right to deny visas to individuals or groups who pose a threat to its territorial integrity and national security. "The commentary in the Canadian media on this matter amounts to foreign interference in India's sovereign affairs," Jaiswal emphasized.
Furthermore, the MEA reassured the Indian public that the government remains fully committed to the safety of its citizens abroad, particularly in countries with large Indian communities like Canada. The Indian government has stated that it will continue to engage with Canadian authorities to address the challenges faced by the Indian community in Canada, particularly those related to safety, security, and the protection of Indian nationals from hate-driven violence and criminal activities. In the coming days, the Indian government is expected to seek further collaboration with Canadian law enforcement agencies to enhance the security of Indian nationals living and studying in Canada, and to prevent such tragic events from recurring in the future.
