Delhi-Moscow spat over visa denied to Orthodox priest
Russia’s ambassador to India had invited Fr Seraphym for a prayer with diplomats and their families. Instead, he was deported from Chennai, some believe because of concerns over possible “evangelisation”. For anonymous source, the incident bodes nothing well for Indian-Russian relations.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – India and Russia are in a bit of tiff after customs officials at Chennai airport (Tamil Nadu) expelled a Russian clergyman upon landing in the Indian city.
Rev Seraphym was supposed to visit India on the invitation of the Russian Ambassador, Alexander Kadakin, to lead a liturgical service for Russian diplomats and their families, but was prevented by customs officials, and sent back to Russia.
Some believe he was not allowed into the country because of concerns over possible evangelisation. Speaking to AsiaNews, Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), slammed "the arrogant behavior of officials in Chennai” who prevented Russian officials from giving the clergyman some food. For Mr George, this “violates the Hague Convention and could have implications for the Indian community in Russia."
Moscow responded last night. Consular officials explained that Fr Seraphym, who works at the Department of Foreign Relations in Asia of the Russian Orthodox Church, was visiting a number of Asian countries – including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Afghanistan – to provide spiritual support to diplomats and their families.
However, the visa he had for India was no longer valid. Under Indian law, a tourist visa can only be used twice. “His visa had expired and he could not go to Moscow to receive a new visa because of the holidays,” a consulate official said. Indian consular services were also closed.
When he arrived in Chennai, he tried to explain the situation, noting that he had already visited the country on previous occasions. However, “Indian officials said he could only do sightseeing and could not get involved in other activities,” the Russian consular official added.
Fr Seraphym was supposed to meet Russian diplomats and their families. “He was not here for preaching or evangelical work among Indian citizens,” a source said. For Russian officials, his deportation violates the spirit of existing agreements between the two countries. Russian consulate sources said the tourist visa could be utilised for humanitarian purposes too.
“What disturbed the Russian diplomats most was they were not allowed to visit the priest at the airport to hand over food,” the consulate official said.
“Since he was not allowed to be deported through Delhi, the Russian Embassy could not hand over his winter clothes. It is unfortunate that such disrespect was shown to a priest from a friendly country. Such disrespect will not augur well for the long-term business and cultural relationship between the two countries”.
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