As row escalates India shutdown visa services in Canada

New Delhi: India on September 21 suspended visa services in Canada. India cited “operational reasons” behind the move to suspend visa services in Canada.
Notably, this development comes amid diplomatic tensions between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Najjar.
BLS, a private agency hired to screen Canadians’ visa applications, said on its website: “Due to operational reasons, effective September 21, 2023, Indian visa services are suspended until further notice. Please keep checking the BLS website for further updates.
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have reached an all-time low after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau considered “credible allegations” of involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist leader and “Canadian citizen” Hardeep Singh Nijjar. They have reached the highest level. Canada in June.
Both countries have expelled each other’s diplomats and issued travel advisories for their respective citizens.
The Canadian High Commission in India said: “Our High Commission and all consulates in India are open and functioning and continuing to serve customers. In light of the current environment where tensions have increased, we ask our diplomats to are taking action to ensure their safety.
With some diplomats receiving threats on various social media platforms, Global Affairs Canada is reviewing its staff complement in India. As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust our staff presence in India. In the context of respecting obligations under the Vienna Conventions, we expect India to provide security to our accredited diplomats and consular officers in India, as we are here for them.
Meanwhile, the Australian government has expressed concern over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claim that Indian agents may be behind the killing of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
Speaking on the matter, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said: “These are related to the reports. I note that the investigation is still ongoing.

She added that the Australian government was “monitoring these developments with our partners and we will continue to do so”.