In a significant development, India has suspended visa services for Canadian nationals indefinitely, citing “operational reasons.” This move comes amidst escalating tensions between India and Canada, primarily fueled by the controversy surrounding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
BLS International Conveys Suspension
The initial scrutiny of visa applications of Canadian citizens in India is carried out by a private agency, BLS International.
On its website, BLS International posted a notice 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.”
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No Formal Announcement, Yet Clear Indication
It is noteworthy that no formal announcement regarding the suspension of visa services has been made by Indian authorities.
However, BLS International, the organization responsible for managing visa application centres in Canada, posted a message on its Canadian website, conveying the suspension.
The message reads, “Important notice from Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice. Please keep checking the BLS website for further updates.”
India’s First Visa Suspension Since Pandemic
An Indian official confirmed the suspension but declined to provide further details, stating, “The language is clear and it says what it is intended to say.” This marks the first time that India has suspended visa services since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
High Commission’s Website Unavailable
As tensions rise, the Indian High Commission’s website appeared to be inaccessible as of late Wednesday, preventing confirmation from official sources.
Growing Concerns for Indian Citizens in Canada
Furthermore, India issued an advisory on Wednesday, urging its citizens in Canada to exercise the utmost caution due to the increase in anti-India activities and “politically-condoned hate crimes.” Indian students, in particular, have been advised to remain vigilant in the wake of these developments.
The suspension of visa services underscores the deepening strain in the diplomatic relationship between India and Canada, with both nations closely monitoring the situation for further developments.
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