India Halts Visa Services for Canadians Amid Escalating Tensions

Amidst escalating tensions triggered by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, India has taken the step of indefinitely suspending visa services for Canadian nationals. Simultaneously, Ottawa has announced temporary adjustments to its diplomatic staff presence in India due to security concerns arising from threats received on social media.

The ongoing diplomatic row between the two countries has already resulted in the expulsion of senior diplomats from both sides.

While there hasn't been an official announcement regarding the visa service suspension, BLS International, the company responsible for managing visa application centers in Canada, 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 till further notice."

An Indian official confirmed the suspension but refrained from providing further details, emphasizing that the statement itself is explicit. Notably, this marks the first instance of India suspending visa services since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As of late Wednesday, the Indian high commission's website could not be accessed to confirm the suspension, as it appeared to be down.

The suspension follows 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." Indian students, in particular, have been advised to remain vigilant.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated in the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara that he presided over in Surrey, British Columbia. Nijjar was a prominent figure associated with the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in the province, and SFJ has accused India of being responsible for his killing.

In response to threats on social media platforms directed at diplomats, Canada's foreign ministry, Global Affairs Canada, has initiated an assessment of its staff presence in India. Consequently, as a precautionary measure, staff presence in India will be temporarily adjusted. All locations are currently staffed by diplomats and locally engaged staff to ensure business continuity.

Canada has also requested enhanced security measures for its missions, including the high commission in New Delhi and consulates in Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru. The spokesperson for the Canadian foreign ministry cited the Vienna Convention, which safeguards diplomats and diplomatic premises, and emphasized that they expect India to ensure the security of their accredited diplomats and consular officers in India, just as they do for Indian diplomats in Canada.

India has similarly bolstered security measures at its missions in Canada, particularly for senior diplomats, following the release of inflammatory "Kill India" posters by SFJ in July, as well as subsequent threats blaming New Delhi for Nijjar's assassination on June 18.

In light of SFJ's recent threat to "shut down Indian missions" on September 25, describing them as "terror houses," India has sought additional security for its high commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver. SFJ, which was banned in India in 2019 for its pro-Khalistan activities, has also targeted Hindus of Indian origin in Canada, urging them to leave the country due to their perceived support for their country of origin and alleged promotion of violence by celebrating Nijjar's assassination.