India suspends visas for Canadians over rising tensions

India has suspended visa operations with Canada for an indefinite period amidst an escalating diplomatic crisis between the two countries.

The development came on Thursday as India said the move was due to “security threats” against its diplomatic staff.

Tensions between the two countries have increased following Canada’s allegation against India for the killing of a Canadian Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.

Meanwhile, the High Commission of Canada said that its offices and those of all consulates in India are open.

A notice on the Canada portal of an Indian visa outsourcing service provider said that visa services will remain suspended from September 21.

The notice says, “Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice.”

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the normal functioning of the Indian High Commission and consulates in Canada was affected by “security threats” faced by the staff.

“Therefore, the high commission is unable to temporarily process visa applications. We will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis,” Bagchi added.

The suspension also includes e-visas, the spokesperson said. 

Canadians from third countries will also not be able to apply for Indian visas.

The suspension of visas comes a day after India's foreign ministry said it was concerned for the safety of its citizens in Canada because of "politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence."

MG