India-Canada Diplomatic Row Leaves Many Punjab Families Worried
MEA expressed strong disapproval of the "baseless" allegations, calling them "completely unacceptable."
India-Canada Diplomatic Row Controversy Latest news: As relations between India and Canada continue to deteriorate, many families in Punjab are finding themselves in a difficult position. For students from Punjab, who aspired to study in Canada, the future seems uncertain. Similarly, those whose son hold permanent resident status in Canada, fear they might face visa challenges to visit their son due to the escalating tensions.
With diplomatic ties between the two countries hitting a fresh low, students in Punjab who dream of studying in Canada and families with relatives living there are growing anxious about the potential impact on their plans. Concerns over visa rejections, limited travel opportunities, and new restrictions have left many people unsure about their future.
This comes in the wake of India expelling six Canadian diplomats and recalling its High Commissioner to Canada, following Ottawa's allegations linking India to the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed strong disapproval of the "baseless" allegations, calling them "completely unacceptable."
The diplomatic standoff has particularly affected regions like Doaba, which has a large Punjabi diaspora in Canada. Many residents of Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, and Nawanshahr have family members settled in Canada or plan to migrate there for studies or work.
Students have been sharing their disappointment, stating that their dream of studying in Canada now seems shattered. Stricter work-hour restrictions imposed by the Canadian government, limiting students to 20 hours of work per week, have made it harder for those from modest backgrounds to manage their expenses.
Compounding the uncertainty is Canada's recent decision to reduce the intake cap on international student permits by 10% for 2025, which will likely affect students from Punjab, a state that contributes around 70% of Indian students heading to Canada.
As the diplomatic row continues, families and students are left hoping for a resolution that will ease the growing uncertainties surrounding travel and education in Canada.