India protests Canada visa refusal to gov'officials

NEW DELHI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- In an apparent diplomatic row between the two countries, India has expressed its "concern" and " outrage" over Canada's refusal to grant travel visas to several government officials.

"We take this matter very, very seriously, that's what I want to say. Of course, the Canadian Foreign Minister has in a public statement stated that Canada has the highest regard for India's democratic institutions and processes and also respect for India's armed forces and related institutions. But let me once again say we did take up the matter, we expressed serious concern and we continue to take this matter very seriously," Indian Foreign Secretary, Nirupama Rao told the media.

The latest of visa refusal by the Canadian High Commission is the case of a retired Intelligence Bureau official who was denied a visa on the ground that he was associated with a spy agency in India.

Canada had earlier denied visas to a number of serving and retired military and intelligence officials, saying it had done so to those who worked for organizations guilty of human rights violations.

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