India has stopped visa services in Canada in a new development amidst escalating diplomatic tensions.
Until further notice
It said it suspended visa services for Canadian nationals till further notice due to “operational reasons” amid the diplomatic row.
It made the announcement on the visa facility website of the Indian High Commission in Canada.
The previous day it had issued a warning to Indian nationals in Canada against “anti-India activities” and “politically-condoned hate crimes”.
How it started
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused that there was a “potential link” between “agents of the Government of India” and the killing of a Khalistan separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada earlier this year.
“Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar,” Trudeau said while speaking at the House of Commons in Ottawa.
This served as the root cause behind the ongoing tensions between the two countries.
India responds
India responded by terming these claims “absurd” and “motivated”.
When Canada expelled a senior Indian diplomat, India retaliated on Tuesday by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat.
Travel advisory for Indians in Canada
On Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said in its travel advisory all Indian nationals in Canada and those looking to travel there must “exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant” “in view of growing anti-India activities and “politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence” there.
“Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda… Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents,” it said.
Working with Canadian authorities
The Indian High Commission and Consulates General will continue to be in touch with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Canada.
The ministry also asked Indian nationals and students from India in Canada to register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites, or the MADAD portal, madad.gov.in.
Safety of Canadian diplomats in India
Meanwhile Canadian High Commission and all consulates in India will remain open and continue its services.
It said some of its diplomats have been receiving threats on various social media platforms.
“In the context of respect for obligations under the Vienna conventions, we expect India to provide for the security of our accredited diplomats and consular officers in India, just as we are for theirs here,” the high commission further said.
Join our Exclusive Whatsapp Channel for getting latest news, views & opinions on Business & Tech: https://bit.ly/3ZoSTo0
