Indian consulate cancels scheduled camps due to Canada’s failure to ensure adequate security

The Indian Consulate in Toronto on Thursday announced the cancellation of several scheduled consular camps, citing the Canadian authorities’ failure to provide the minimum level of security protection for these events.

The announcement was made through a post on the social media platform X.

“In light of the security agencies’ inability to provide basic security protection to the community camp organizers, the Consulate has decided to cancel some of the scheduled consular camps,” the post said.

The decision follows a violent clashes at a consular camp held earlier this week outside the Hindi Sabha Temple in Brampton, near Toronto. Anti-India extremists orchestrated the disturbances, and the Indian government, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed strong condemnation and concern over the incident.

Following the Brampton violence, the Indian High Commission in Canada issued a statement expressing deep dissatisfaction with the security situation. The statement said that consular camps are routine operations organized by the Indian diplomatic missions in Canada, including the High Commission in Ottawa and the Consulates in Vancouver and Toronto, to assist Indian nationals with various services, such as life certificates.

“The Canadian authorities had been requested well in advance to provide adequate security measures for these events, which are standard consular activities. It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions allowed to occur during these routine consular services,” the High Commission said.

The statement also expressed concern for the safety of both applicants and Indian diplomatic staff involved in the camps.

Earlier disruptions had also occurred at consular camps in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3, with similar security concerns raised. The Indian High Commission had previously warned that any future consular camps would depend on the security arrangements provided by local authorities, given the continued threats to Indian diplomats and the broader community.

Ministry of External Affairs had formally lodged a protest against these actions, underscoring the ongoing strain in bilateral relations.