The Consulate General of India in Toronto has announced the cancellation of upcoming consular camps, citing heightened security threats and inadequate protection measures. The decision, revealed in a statement, highlights concerns over the inability of local security agencies to provide the minimum required safety for organizers of these events.

The cancellations, which were announced amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, have impacted nearly 4,000 elderly individuals from the Indian and Canadian diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area. These consular camps are vital for addressing administrative needs, such as pension documentation, especially during November and December. The Consulate emphasized that many camps were not held in places of worship, with one even planned at a police facility.

This is not the first time consular camps have been affected by security concerns. Earlier this month, several events were called off after local authorities failed to provide necessary assurances. The disruptions followed a violent incident at a consular camp held at the Hindu Sabha Temple near Toronto.

Commenting on the issue, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated in New Delhi, “Our consulate in Toronto had to cancel the consular camp planned for the weekend due to inadequate security assurances from the government.” He added that while consular camps in other cities, such as Vancouver, would proceed, their continuation would depend on safety guarantees from local community organizations. “We will go ahead with these consular camps where the community organization is comfortable,” Jaiswal explained.

The cancellations have caused significant concern within the Indian diaspora in Canada, particularly among elderly members who depend on these services. The ongoing disruptions underscore the broader challenges faced by the Indian Consulate in maintaining the safety of its operations amidst the prevailing tensions.