India has taken the decision to suspend visa services for Canadian citizens, citing security threats to its consulate staff in Canada, according to a spokesperson from the Indian foreign ministry.
This announcement comes shortly after Canada’s high commission in India stated that it would temporarily adjust its staff presence in the country due to threats received by some diplomats on social media platforms.
These developments signify a further escalation of tensions between the two nations, sparked by Canada’s assertion that it is actively investigating credible allegations connecting Indian government agents to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in June.
Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Indian foreign ministry, explained the suspension, stating, “The security situation because of the Canadian government’s inaction has resulted in disruptions, and we have suspended visa applications.” This suspension applies to all categories of visas, including e-visas.
BLS International, an Indian company that provides visa services, indicated that the notice from the Indian mission in Canada cited “operational reasons” for the suspension of visa services until further notice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has emphatically denied any involvement in the alleged murder.
With both nations expelling one diplomat each, analysts have noted that relations between India and Canada have reached their lowest point.
The Canadian high commission issued a statement saying, “In light of the current environment where tensions have heightened, we are taking action to ensure the safety of our diplomats. With some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms, Global Affairs Canada is assessing its staff complement in India.” However, the statement did not provide specifics about the nature of the staff adjustment.
Following the expulsion of senior diplomats, both countries issued reciprocal travel advisories earlier this week, with India advising its citizens in Canada, particularly students, to exercise “utmost caution.”
Tensions escalated on Monday when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Ottawa was investigating “credible allegations” regarding the potential involvement of Indian government agents in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
