A Canadian citizen, Gurcharan Singh Banwait, 77, was recently detained and denied entry into India, highlighting evolving visa policies that some say reflect India’s growing focus on national security. Banwait, a long-time advocate for charitable healthcare initiatives, says he was held for 36 hours at the Amritsar airport without clear explanation. This incident sheds light on India’s use of its visa policies to address what it perceives as threats to national stability, even as individuals like Banwait express concerns over fairness and transparency.
A Detention That Raises Questions
Banwait, who frequently travels to India for his charity work, says this is the first time he has faced issues entering the country. He claims he was held under strict conditions, denied basic necessities like food and proper accommodation, and labeled a “Khalistani,” a term associated with supporters of the Sikh separatist Khalistan movement.
“I was feeling embarrassed and insulted,” Banwait said, adding that he still does not know why he was barred from entry.
India’s Perspective on Visa Policies
India has long maintained that its visa policies are a matter of sovereignty and security. The country’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has increased scrutiny of individuals it views as potentially linked to separatist or extremist movements. Officials argue this is necessary to maintain internal stability, particularly given ongoing concerns over Khalistani advocacy abroad.
“Every country has the right to decide who can enter its borders,” said Raman Sohi, a Vancouver-based immigration lawyer. Sohi acknowledges that India’s policies can be strict, especially for those perceived as being critical of its government or policies, but stresses that such measures are not uncommon internationally.
Concerns Within the Sikh Diaspora
While India asserts its right to implement these policies, some Sikh Canadians feel targeted. Advocacy groups, including the World Sikh Organization, claim that India uses visas as a tool to suppress dissent or exert influence over the diaspora. Reports have emerged of individuals being asked to sign affidavits pledging loyalty to India in exchange for visas. Critics argue that such practices blur the line between security measures and political control.
Balpreet Singh, legal counsel for the World Sikh Organization of Canada, described these tactics as “disheartening,” adding, “Using visas to manipulate behavior undermines the trust and relationships needed to build bridges between communities.”
Broader Implications
India’s vigilance extends to individuals it suspects of promoting narratives against the country. Angad Singh, an American journalist, was deported from Delhi in 2022 due to his work on a documentary perceived as critical of India’s policies. Court documents revealed his entry was denied because his work was seen as “anti-national propaganda.”
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These measures reflect India’s heightened focus on managing narratives and ensuring national security. However, they also raise concerns among affected individuals about transparency and due process.
Finding a Balance
India’s policies are part of a broader strategy to address perceived threats and maintain control over its borders. However, the human impact of these measures is undeniable. For individuals like Banwait, who has spent decades contributing to India through charitable work, the experience has been deeply unsettling. He now questions the future of his initiatives in India and whether he will ever be able to return.
While critics argue that such policies disproportionately affect certain groups, supporters maintain that they are necessary to safeguard India’s interests in a complex global environment. As the debate continues, it underscores the challenges nations face in balancing security with the principles of fairness and openness.
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