Canada retrenches dozens of Indian staffers from diplomatic missions in India

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Canada has recently decreased the number of Indian staff members in its diplomatic missions across India due to a shortage of Canadian personnel necessary for the effective management of in-country operations. This move comes in response to India's expulsion of 41 Canadian diplomats last year, which aimed to achieve parity in diplomatic presence. Consequently, Canada had ceased in-person operations at its consulates in Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru.

While the exact number of retrenched employees remains undisclosed, it is understood to be less than 100. Confirming the staff reductions, a media relations official at the high commission expressed regret over the necessity of this decision, citing the departure of Canadian staff last year.

«We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to our local staff in India for their resilience, dedication, and service. Canada remains committed to providing essential services to Canadians in India, including consular support and facilitating trade and business development, to uphold the longstanding ties between our two nations,» stated the official, noting that Canada's visa application centers in India continue to operate normally.

Despite the diplomatic strain, Canada emphasizes its enduring connections with Indian citizens, welcoming them for visits, work, study, or permanent residence in the country. India had not anticipated Canada's closure of consulate services, as its decision to expel diplomats aimed solely at achieving diplomatic parity between the respective high