Amid rising diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, Indian visa services have been suspended in Canada until further notice. A recently released statement by the BLS India Visa Application Centre, a technology-enabled services partner for governments, individuals, embassies, and governments worldwide that offers Indian visa services in Canada, reads: “Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa service has been suspended until further notice.” The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed the same.

Earlier today, Canada has chosen to temporarily reduce its staff presence in India, stating an “abundance of caution.” According to the Canadian High Commission, because some of its diplomats have received threats on different social media sites, Global Affairs Canada is evaluating its personnel complement in India. All of its facilities are manned by diplomats and locally hired professionals to maintain business and operational continuity. The Canadian High Commission and all consulates in India are still open and serving customers, they said.

The diplomatic tensions escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of the killing of the pro-Khalistani leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, during a parliament address, although the case is still under investigation.

-Anushka Upadhyay