India has temporarily halted the processing of visas in Canada, according to service provider, BLS International. The move comes in the midst of a diplomatic dispute between the two nations, sparked by Canada’s accusation that India was involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist near Vancouver.
BLS International posted an announcement on their website, stating, “Important notice from Indian mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from September 21, 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged India to take the allegations of Indian agents’ involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar seriously. This has resulted in reciprocal diplomatic expulsions and India strongly denying any involvement in Nijjar’s killing, deeming the accusations “absurd”.
The suspension of visa services comes after India’s foreign ministry expressed concern for the safety of its citizens in Canada, citing “politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence”. A ministry statement released on Wednesday mentioned that threats have specifically targeted Indian diplomats and individuals within the Indian community who oppose anti-India agendas.
The advisory from the Indian government did not specify particular cities or locations for Indian nationals to avoid in Canada.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an activist advocating for the creation of an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan, was allegedly shot dead by two masked assailants outside the Sikh temple he presided over in Surrey, Vancouver’s outer suburb. Indian authorities had accused Nijjar of terrorism and conspiring to commit murder, although he had denied these charges, according to the World Sikh Organisation of Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the interests of Canadian Sikhs.
India has accused Canada of disregarding the activities of radical Sikh nationalists who support the formation of an independent Sikh state in the northern region of India.