In a significant diplomatic move, India has suspended visa services for Canadian nationals, a decision that extends to even Canadian citizens residing in other countries, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The suspension encompasses all categories of visas, including e-visa services, as a response to what India perceives as an incitement of violence and inaction by the Canadian government.
MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi clarified this development during a press conference, stating, “A Canadian citizen would not be able to apply for an Indian visa even if they are living in another country. The issue at hand is not merely about travel to India but concerns the incitement of violence and a lack of action on the part of the Canadian government. Those with valid visas and OCI cards, however, remain free to travel.”
Bagchi further emphasized the security concerns faced by Indian diplomatic missions in Canada, which have disrupted their usual operations. Consequently, these missions are temporarily unable to process visa applications. The situation will be subject to regular reviews.
This decision comes in the wake of allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, implicating India in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India vehemently rejected these accusations as “absurd and motivated” and issued an advisory to its citizens in Canada, urging them to exercise caution due to what it described as “politically-condoned hate crimes.”
MEA spokesperson Bagchi reiterated that Trudeau’s allegations are “politically driven” and confirmed that Canada did not provide any special information regarding these allegations. India claims to have shared specific evidence of criminal activities occurring on Canadian soil with Canadian authorities but alleges that no action has been taken. These allegations were reportedly raised by Trudeau during his visit to India for the G20 summit, but were rejected by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The situation remains tense as India-Canada relations face strain amidst this diplomatic standoff.
