Ottawa, Canada: The Indian Consulate in Canada has announced the cancellation of several planned consular camps due to ongoing security concerns, amidst heightened diplomatic tensions. Local security agencies reportedly informed the consulate of their "inability to provide minimum security protection" for these events.

In a statement, the Consulate General of India in Toronto noted, “Owing to the continued inability of security agencies to ensure minimum protection against increasing threats, we have had to cancel additional consular camps. Most of these were not held at places of worship, including one at a police facility. We are acutely aware of the challenges this poses for nearly 4,000 elderly members of the diaspora—both Indian and Canadian nationals—in the Greater Toronto Area, who now lack access to vital consular services.”

Earlier this month, the consulate had similarly canceled camps following warnings from local authorities about inadequate security arrangements. This followed a violent incident at a consular camp held at the Hindu Sabha Temple near Toronto.

Addressing the matter, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The consular camp planned in Toronto over the weekend was canceled as the consulate did not receive adequate security assurances from local authorities.”

Consular camps play a critical role for the Indian diaspora, particularly during November and December, as many require documentation for pensions and administrative needs. Jaiswal also mentioned that camps in certain regions, like Vancouver, would proceed, provided community groups ensure safety. “These camps are organized upon requests from community organizations. If a community group is confident about security arrangements, we will continue with the camps,” he explained.

The cancellations have sparked concerns among the Indian diaspora in Canada, particularly the elderly, who depend on these camps for essential services.