India on Thursday called on Canada to create an enabling environment in line with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations so that its officials can perform their duties without any hindrance or security concerns. The Indian Consulate in Vancouver had organized a camp which some pro-Khalistani elements attempted to disrupt. India has made this call a few days after that incident. Relations between India and Canada had become extremely tense after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September alleged the ‘possible’ involvement of an Indian agent in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia on June 18. India had declared Nijjar a terrorist in 2020.

India had rejected Trudeau’s allegations, calling them “absurd”. “Our High Commission and Consulates in Canada regularly organize consular camps,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in his weekly press briefing. A similar camp was organized near Vancouver on November 12 to provide life certificates to pensioners.” He said, ”Despite attempts by some radical elements to create obstacles, the program was organized successfully. Our Consul General was not present in that camp.” He said, ”We reiterate the need for nations to respect the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations so that our diplomats can discharge their diplomatic responsibilities.”

Asked about an incident near Brampton during Diwali, Bagchi said it was a kind of “clash” between two groups. Days after Trudeau’s allegations, India temporarily suspended issuing visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure parity. Canada has already recalled 41 diplomats and their family members from India. India has resumed some visa services.