India has abruptly suspended visa services for Canadians in Canada, citing ‘operational reasons,’ as tensions escalate between the two nations following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The move comes in the wake of strained diplomatic relations and retaliatory actions between India and Canada.
Canada
Country in North America
- Capital: Ottawa
- Area: 9.985 million km²
- Government: Federation, Constitutional monarchy, Parliamentary democracy
- Gross domestic product: 1.99 lakh crores USD (2021) World Bank
- Dialing code: +1
- Population: 3.82 crores (2021) World Bank
- Currency: Canadian dollar ($) (CAD)
Visa Services Halted by Private Agency BLS
A private agency, BLS, responsible for the initial screening of visa applications for Canadians, made the announcement on its website, stating, “Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended until further notice. Please keep checking the BLS website for further updates.” This suspension has been attributed to the ongoing dispute between the two countries.
Growing Discord Over Khalistani Issue
Tensions between India and Canada have been mounting since a contentious exchange between the Prime Ministers of the two nations during the G20 meeting in Delhi earlier this month. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed concerns over “credible allegations” linking Indian government agents to the June 18 slaying of Nijjar outside a Sikh cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia. India vehemently denied any involvement in the incident, dismissing the allegations as absurd.
Tit-for-Tat Measures Escalate the Dispute
In response to the escalating tensions, both countries have taken retaliatory measures. Canada expelled an Indian diplomat, prompting India to reciprocate with a similar expulsion.
Trudeau Urges India to Address the Issue Seriously
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the need for India to take the matter seriously but clarified that Canada is not seeking to provoke or escalate the situation. He stated, “The government of India needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are doing that; we are not looking to provoke or escalate.”
Concerns Loom Over Immigration Process
The deteriorating relationship between Canada and India has raised concerns among individuals planning to immigrate to Canada. Many worry about potential delays in the immigration process due to strained diplomatic ties.
Immigration Experts Offer Reassurance
Immigration experts have reassured prospective immigrants, asserting that Canada’s need for skilled workers to strengthen its economy remains unchanged. While temporary curbs might be in place, experts maintain that Canada will continue to welcome immigrants despite the current tensions.
The future trajectory of India-Canada relations and the impact on immigration processes will be closely monitored as the situation unfolds.
