India has suspended visa services in Canada, citing “operational reasons,” as diplomatic relations between the two countries continue to deteriorate following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The suspension announcement was made by the private agency BLS, which was responsible for the initial scrutiny of visa applications from Canadians. BLS posted a note on its website stating, “Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended until further notice. Please keep checking the BLS website for further updates.”
The diplomatic dispute revolves around the Khalistani terrorism issue. During the G20 meeting in Delhi earlier in the month, the prime ministers of India and Canada engaged in a tense discussion on the matter. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau subsequently announced that his government was investigating “credible allegations” linking Indian government agents to the June 18 slaying of Nijjar, who was shot outside a Sikh cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia.
Trudeau emphasized that Canada was not attempting to provoke India but stressed the need for strong measures to address the situation. He was quoted by Reuters as saying, “The government of India needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are doing that, we are not looking to provoke or escalate.”
India has vehemently denied any involvement in the killing, dismissing the allegations as absurd. Tensions between the two countries have escalated, resulting in reciprocal expulsions of diplomats.
In response to the diplomatic row, India advised its citizens to avoid travel to certain parts of Canada. This ongoing dispute has raised concerns among potential Canadian immigrants about its potential impact on the immigration process.
Immigration experts have suggested that while strained international relations may lead to temporary curbs, Canada is unlikely to significantly restrict immigration, as welcoming immigrants plays a crucial role in strengthening the country’s economy.
