NEW DELHI: India’s official visa processor in Canada said on Thursday (Sep 21) it had been told to stop handling applications, before taking down the notice amid a diplomatic row sparked by Ottawa’s accusation that New Delhi was involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist near Vancouver.
Shortly after the announcement was splashed across Indian media, service provider BLS removed the notice from its website. There was no immediate comment from India’s foreign ministry.
An official at New Delhi-headquartered BLS said they did not want to be quoted and referred AFP to Indian authorities.
“Important notice from Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from Sep 21 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice,” BLS International earlier posted on its website Thursday.
This comes a day after India warned its citizens against visiting parts of Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has demanded that India treat with “utmost seriousness” its allegations about the murder.
The fallout prompted tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions and a forceful denial from India, which said any suggestion it played a role in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar was “absurd”.
Without explicitly referring to the dispute, India’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday 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.
“Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents.”
Source: CNA
