SOURCE: AFI
Recent developments in India’s visa policy targeting Canadian citizens with links to Khalistani organizations have reignited discussions about long-standing visa issues between India and Canada. This move by India has brought to light the parallel practices by Canada, which have been in place for years, specifically targeting retired Indian security personnel.
For the last few years, Canada has maintained stringent visa policies for former members of the Indian Police, Army, and paramilitary forces. Notably, individuals who have served with the Punjab Police are almost automatically denied visas, even for tourism purposes. This policy extends to former members of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Assam Rifles, where applicants are interrogated about their deployment areas during their service. Similarly, ex-Army personnel are questioned if they were stationed in sensitive regions like Punjab, Assam, or Kashmir.
India’s decision to scrutinize or deny visas to Canadian citizens with affiliations to Khalistani groups is seen by some as a retaliatory measure or at least a reflection of the same principle Canada applies to Indian security veterans. The Indian government has asked these individuals to explicitly denounce their support for separatism or affirm respect for India’s sovereignty as a condition for visa approval. This policy shift comes in the wake of heightened diplomatic tensions following allegations and the complex dynamics surrounding the Khalistan movement in Canada.
The Khalistan movement, advocating for a separate Sikh homeland, has been a significant point of contention. The movement’s activities in Canada have long been a concern for India, leading to diplomatic frictions. The recent visa restrictions appear to be India’s strategy to curb the influence of these groups abroad, mirroring Canada’s methods of handling individuals with certain security backgrounds from India.
This tit-for-tat approach to visa policies has broader geopolitical implications. It underscores the deepening rift between the two nations, particularly over issues of sovereignty, terrorism, and diaspora politics. While Canada’s policy might be driven by concerns over potential human rights violations or security threats from individuals with military backgrounds, India views it as an overreach and an unnecessary probe into the service records of its retired officials.
Critics argue that both countries’ visa policies could infringe on individual rights, particularly when they are applied broadly without specific evidence of wrongdoing. On the other hand, supporters of these policies maintain that they are necessary for national security and sovereignty, especially in light of historical and ongoing security challenges.