Diplomatic spat between India and Canada, Indian workers and students worried, know what will be the effect of tension

India-Canada tensions: The diplomatic dispute between India and Canada is deepening. The controversy that started after the murder of Khalistani Hardeep Singh Nijjar is going from bad to worse. India has asked six Canadian diplomats to leave the country. Along with this, Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma present in Canada and other diplomats have been called back. This tension is also going to affect Indians living in Canada, who have often been the target of extremists.
A large number of people from the Indian community live in Canada. Of these, a large number are people who have gone to Canada in search of jobs. Lakhs of people also have permanent residency. Similarly, every year a large number of Indian students also go to Canada to study. Because of this, it is now being discussed whether the dispute between India and Canada is deepening, whether it is going to affect the Indians living there also. Let us know about this.

What will be the impact of diplomatic dispute on Indian workers?

The Indian diaspora in Canada is one of the largest diaspora groups in the world. The population of Indians here is more than 16 lakh. The Indian community plays an important role in Canada’s economy and cultural fabric. People from the Indian community are boosting the Canadian economy as IT professionals, professors and businessmen. They are contributing in sectors ranging from healthcare, technology to academic sector. However, due to the latest controversy an atmosphere of uncertainty has arisen.

Since India was accused of Nijjar massacre, a big problem has arisen for Indian workers. Canada has directly alleged that Indian agents carried out the murder. India has vehemently rejected these allegations and reprimanded Canada. However, workers moving from India to Canada will now face a number of challenges, including stricter vetting, delays in visa issuance and potential racial discrimination due to the tense political environment.

What will be the impact of India-Canada dispute on Indian students?

There were 4,27,000 Indian students studying in Canada by August 2024, which is 41 percent of the international students present in the country. Diplomatic tension is going to affect Indian students the most. Canada has been a popular destination among Indian students due to its quality education, work opportunities and excellent immigration policy. But due to deteriorating relations, there is an atmosphere of concern about getting student visa, getting work permit and living easily in Canada.

However, it is not likely that due to the current circumstances the policy regarding students will be changed immediately. But the increasing tension will definitely reduce the number of Indians coming to study in Canada. For example, last year, when relations deteriorated for the first time over the Nijjar massacre, the admissions of Indians also declined. From October to December 2023, the number of study permits granted to Indian students declined by 86%, from 108,940 to 14,910.