In the wake of a recent dispute between India and Canada, India has taken the decision to halt all visa services for Canada.
This move comes after both nations expelled diplomats from their respective embassies.
BLS India Visa Application Center, responsible for visa services, has posted an official notice on its website,
announcing the suspension of all visa services starting from September 21, 2023, until further notice.
The BLS International India Visa Application Center’s website states, “Important information from the Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, Indian Visa Services have been suspended as of September 21, 2023.
Please refer to the BLS website for future updates.” This decision follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent allegations of potential involvement by an Indian government agent in the murder of a Khalistani separatist, sparking a diplomatic dispute between the two nations.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Ministry of External Affairs in India has issued an advisory for Indian citizens and students residing in Canada.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, urges Indian citizens and potential travelers to exercise “extreme caution” due to rising anti-India activities, politically motivated hate crimes,
and criminal violence in Canada. Specifically, Indian students in Canada are advised to remain vigilant.
The advisory emphasizes, “In light of the increasing threats, including the targeting of Indian diplomats
and those in the Indian community opposing the anti-India agenda, Indian nationals are strongly encouraged to avoid traveling to areas in Canada where such incidents have been reported.”
