In a significant development, India has suspended its visa services in Canada indefinitely, intensifying the ongoing diplomatic strife between the two nations. The announcement was made by the BLS Visa Application Centre, the designated application centre for Indian visas in Canada.
Effective September 21, 2023, Indian visa services have been temporarily halted in Canada due to operational reasons. The BLS website urged applicants to stay updated by regularly visiting their website for any further updates from the Indian mission.
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This move follows escalating tensions between India and Canada, triggering concerns and warnings for Indian nationals in Canada, including students. An advisory issued by New Delhi called for utmost caution while travelling in Canada, citing rising anti-India activities, politically condoned hate crimes, and criminal violence.
The advisory specifically mentioned threats targeting Indian diplomats and members of the Indian community as opposed to the anti-India agenda. This advisory underlines the strained relations between the two nations.
The souring of ties was initiated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations against India during a parliamentary address, insinuating possible links between India and the assassination of Sikh separatist activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen. This led to the expulsion of a senior Indian diplomat by Canada, which was strongly denied by India.
In response, India expelled a Canadian diplomat, accusing Canada of harbouring terrorists and supporters of Khalistan. India emphasized its long-standing concern regarding Canada’s alleged inaction against extremists.
In a counter-response, the Canadian government rejected India’s advisory, asserting that Canada remains a safe country despite the escalating tension between the two nations. This exchange further exacerbates the diplomatic discord.
BREAKING: India suspends visa services for Canadian nationals after an escalation of their diplomatic row, local media reporthttps://t.co/h0o9JKx6UC pic.twitter.com/FvtMs2ftTc
— Bloomberg (@business) September 21, 2023
FAQs Regarding India’s Suspension of Visa Services in Canada
1. Q: Why has India suspended its visa services in Canada?
A: The suspension of Indian visa services in Canada, effective from September 21, 2023, is due to operational reasons, as stated by the BLS Visa Application Centre, which is responsible for Indian visa applications in Canada.
2. Q: Is the Canada visa suspension temporary or permanent?
A: The suspension is temporary and remains in effect until further notice. Applicants are advised to regularly check the BLS website for updates regarding the resumption of visa services.
3. Q: What prompted India to suspend visa services in Canada?
A: The suspension comes amidst escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, which began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations linking India to the assassination of a Canadian Sikh separatist activist. This led to a series of retaliatory actions and strained relations between the two nations.
4. Q: How are Indian nationals in Canada affected by this suspension?
A: Indian nationals in Canada, including students, are directly impacted as they are unable to avail visa services during the suspension period. They are advised to exercise caution due to the escalating tensions and the advisory issued by the Indian government regarding anti-India activities in Canada.
5. Q: What were the allegations made by Canada against India that triggered the diplomatic tension between the two nations?
A: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in a parliamentary address that India may have possible links to the assassination of a Canadian Sikh separatist activist. This accusation resulted in the expulsion of a senior Indian diplomat by Canada, a claim strongly denied by India.
