India’s official visa processor in Canada revealed on Thursday that it had received instructions to cease processing applications. This action was taken amid a diplomatic dispute triggered by Ottawa’s allegations that New Delhi was linked to the assassination of a Sikh separatist.
Shortly after the announcement was splashed across Indian media, BLS promptly removed the notice from their website. India’s foreign ministry has not yet provided a response to this development.
An official from BLS, headquartered in New Delhi, declined to be quoted and instead directed AFP to Indian authorities.
“Important notice from Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice,” BLS International had posted on their website Thursday.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has demanded India treat with “utmost seriousness” allegations that Indian agents played a role in the June murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver.
The fallout prompted tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions and a forceful denial from India, which said any suggestion it played a role in Nijjar’s killing was “absurd”.
The suspension of visas comes a day after India’s foreign ministry said it was concerned for the safety of its citizens in Canada because of “politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence”.
“Threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda,” a ministry statement said Wednesday.
“Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents.”
The advisory did not name specific cities or locations for Indians to avoid.
Nijjar was fatally shot by two masked assailants outside the Sikh temple where he served as a leader, located in Surrey, a suburb on the outskirts of Vancouver.
Nijjar was an advocate for the establishment of Khalistan, a Sikh state, and was wanted by Indian authorities on charges of terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder.
He had denied those charges, according to the World Sikh Organization of Canada, a nonprofit organisation that says it defends the interests of Canadian Sikhs.
The Indian government accuses Ottawa of turning a blind eye to the activities of radical Sikh nationalists who advocate the creation of an independent Sikh state to be carved out of northern India.
