India has suspended visa services for Canadian nationals till further notice, citing operational reasons. The move comes amid a diplomatic row between the two countries over claims linking Indian government agents to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June.
The suspension of visa services was announced by BLS International, an online visa application centre in India, on its website. The notice stated that the suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
The developments came three days after the Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, alleged that Indian government agents may have been involved in Nijjar’s murder. Trudeau’s allegations have been denied by the Indian government.
The suspension of visa services is likely to have a significant impact on travel between India and Canada. Canada is home to a large Indian diaspora, and many Canadians travel to India for business, tourism, and family visits.
It is unclear how long the suspension of visa services will remain in place. However, it is likely that the two countries will need to resolve their diplomatic row before visa services are resumed.
