In response to escalating tensions between the two nations, New Delhi has made the decision to indefinitely suspend visa services for Canadian citizens. This move comes as Ottawa temporarily adjusts its diplomatic staff presence in India due to concerns regarding the safety of its diplomats, prompted by threats received through social media channels.
Tensions have risen further following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claim of Indian involvement in the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This assertion has triggered a diplomatic dispute, resulting in the expulsion of senior diplomats from both sides this week.
Formally, there has been no official announcement regarding the suspension of visa services. Nevertheless, BLS International, the organization responsible for managing visa application centers in Canada, has posted a message on its Canadian website, stating: “Important notice from the Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21st September 2023 [Thursday], Indian visa services have been suspended until further notice.”
While an Indian official has acknowledged the suspension, they have refrained from providing additional details, stating, “The language is clear and conveys its intended message.” Importantly, this marks the first instance of India suspending visas since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately, the Indian high commission’s website became inaccessible late on Wednesday, preventing verification of the suspension.
The suspension of visa services coincides with India’s advisory issued on Wednesday, urging its citizens in Canada to exercise extreme caution due to the rise in anti-India activities and “politically-condoned hate crimes.” This cautionary advice is particularly directed at Indian students, urging them to remain vigilant.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was tragically shot in the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, where he held a leadership position. He was a prominent figure within the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in the province, and SFJ has placed blame on India for his assassination.
A spokesperson for Canada’s foreign ministry shared with The National Post that some diplomats had received threats on social media platforms. Consequently, they stated, “Global Affairs Canada [the foreign ministry] is evaluating its staff deployment in India. As a precautionary measure, we have opted to temporarily adjust our staff presence in India. All of our locations are staffed by diplomats and locally engaged staff to ensure the continuity of business and operations.”
Canada has requested increased security measures for its missions, including the high commission in New Delhi and consulates in Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru. Citing the Vienna Convention, which safeguards diplomats and diplomatic premises, the spokesperson emphasized that they “anticipate India to provide security for our accredited diplomats and consular officers in India, just as we do for their counterparts here.”
Security measures have also been bolstered at India’s missions in Canada, particularly for senior diplomats, in response to SFJ’s release of “Kill India” posters in July and subsequent threats implicating India in Nijjar’s June 18 assassination. Following SFJ’s threat to “shut down Indian missions” on September 25, branding them as “terror houses,” India has requested heightened security for its high commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver.
