Visa suspension and travel advisory issued in response to allegations and tensions.
In a significant development, India has temporarily suspended visa services for Canadian nationals until further notice, citing “operational reasons.” This suspension encompasses all visa services, including e-visas and visas issued in third countries, according to recent reports from News Tribune, Trak.in, and New Telegraph.
The Indian High Commission in Canada has also issued a travel advisory for Indian citizens residing in or traveling to Canada, urging them to exercise “extreme caution” due to what it describes as “growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes” within the country. This advisory is a response to the deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Canada, which have been exacerbated by a recent incident involving the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made allegations suggesting “credible evidence” of India’s involvement in the murder of a Sikh activist in British Columbia in June, further straining relations between the two nations. India swiftly rejected these allegations as “absurd” and retaliated by engaging in a tit-for-tat expulsion of top diplomats. The issue of Khalistan, a secessionist movement advocating for Punjab to become an independent Sikh state, has long been a contentious point in India-Canada relations. Canada is home to a substantial Sikh diaspora community, and India has accused the Canadian government of turning a blind eye to Khalistani extremism on its own soil.
While the suspension of visa services remains in effect, it is unclear when these services will be reinstated. Canadian citizens in need of visa services or seeking more information are advised to contact the Indian High Commission in Ottawa for updates.
This recent development underscores the strained relations between India and Canada and the growing tensions surrounding the allegations and counter-allegations related to the Sikh separatist issue. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential for affected individuals to stay informed through official government channels.
Resources:
1.https://www.newstribune.com/news/2023/sep/22/india-suspends-visa-services-for-citizens-of/
3.https://newtelegraphng.com/india-suspends-visas-for-canadians-as-row-escalates/