India suspends visa services for Canadians in further decline in relations

Tensions between India and Canada have escalated after India suspended visa services for Canadians, citing "security threats" to its diplomatic offices in Canada. The Indian visa agency, BLS international, confirmed this suspension due to "operational reasons". Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for India's foreign ministry mentioned the incitement to violence and the alleged negligence of Canadian authorities as reasons for this suspension. This comes after longstanding accusations by India that Canada provides refuge to members of the Khalistan movement, a banned Sikh independence group. The rift deepened after the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India played a role in the assassination of the Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. In response, India rejected these claims, resulting in mutual expulsions of diplomats. Both countries have now issued travel advisories and halted trade discussion. Canada is also reducing its diplomatic staff in India after receiving online threats. If Canada retaliates with visa restrictions on Indian citizens, it may significantly affect immigration, as many Indians reside and study in Canada.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/21/india-suspends-visa-services-for-canadians-trudeau-modi