Canada lays off dozens of Indian employees its diplomatic missions in India

Canada has recently cut down the number of Indian staffers in its diplomatic missions across the country, after India expelled 41 Canadian diplomats last year.

The High Commission confirmed the retrenchment, calling it a regrettable necessity arising from a shortage of Canadian personnel necessary for the effective management of in-country operations.

India had expelled Canadian diplomats last year, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. The Ministry of External Affairs said the move aimed to achieve parity in diplomatic presence.

Consequently, Canada had shut down in-person operations at its consulates in Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru.

While the exact number of laid off employees were not undisclosed, the Times of India reported that it was less than 100.

"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," a media relations official at the Canadian High Commission said.

He assured that Canada's visa application centres in India continue to operate normally.