In a dramatic turn of events, India has suspended visa services for Canadian nationals indefinitely, effective September 21, 2023. The move comes amidst escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries following the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia on June 18. This suspension marks the first time India has taken such a measure since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The suspension was announced through a message posted on the website of BLS International, the company responsible for managing visa application centers in Canada, with the notice stating, “Due to operational reasons, with effect from September 21, 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended until further notice.” An Indian official confirmed the suspension, although no further comments were provided.
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada took a sour turn after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that security agencies had “reason to believe” that individuals “linked to the Indian government” were involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This allegation prompted the expulsion of an Indian diplomat from Canada, followed by the expulsion of a senior Canadian diplomat from India.
India vehemently rejected any involvement in Nijjar’s killing, leading to a diplomatic standoff. The situation escalated further with the announcement of peaceful protests by a pro-Khalistani outfit in Canada, which called for the “shutdown” of Indian consulates in the country.
The tensions have also raised concerns for the safety of diplomats on both sides. Canada’s foreign ministry cited threats on social media platforms against its diplomats and decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India to ensure their safety. The ministry emphasized the importance of the Vienna Convention for safeguarding diplomats and called on India to provide security for Canadian diplomats in India, as Canada does for Indian diplomats in Canada.
On the other hand, India has requested additional security for its missions in Canada, particularly the high commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver. The security concerns stem from threats made by the banned pro-Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which had previously issued “Kill India” posters and threatened to “shut down Indian missions” on September 25, referring to them as “terror houses.”
SFJ, which was banned in India in 2019 due to its pro-Khalistan activities, has also targeted Hindus of Indian origin in Canada, urging them to leave the country for their support of India and alleged promotion of violence by celebrating Nijjar’s assassination.
In response to the growing anti-India activities and “politically-condoned hate crimes,” Indian citizens in Canada have been advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant. Indian students, in particular, have been urged to take extra precautions.
As diplomatic tensions continue to simmer, the suspension of visa services serves as a significant development in the ongoing dispute between India and Canada, with both nations calling for the safety and security of their diplomats and missions on foreign soil. The future of bilateral relations remains uncertain, and further developments will be closely monitored.
