Amidst a diplomatic row ongoing between India and Canada, India halts visas for Canadians.
Cold War between India & Canada
Image credit: BLS International
Amidst the diplomatic row ongoing between India and Canada.
India on Thursday, has put on a hold on the issue of visas to Canadian citizens till further notice.
This notice was given by a private agency named BLS International. This agency is usually hired to carry out the initial scrutiny of visa applications belonging to Canadian nationals.
The reason cited by the BLS international was operational reasons.
This move comes against the backdrop of the tense relations between India and Canada since Ottawa cited credible allegations when accusing Indian agents of the murder of a pro-Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Effects of New Delhi’s Move
Image credit: Moneycontrol
According to the moneycontrol report, the visa services for Canadian nationals are in suspension for an unspecified period of time.
In the ticker message, it was written
“Important Notice from the mission of India, Indian visa services, have been suspended owing to operational reasons, from 21st September 2024 till further notice”.
Speaking about the effects of this move, the company opined that its income won’t be affected. Canadian visa issuance generates less than 2% of its revenues.
As per Moneycontrol’s report, Indian officials didn’t provide much details but gave confirmation of the suspension.
He said language is clear and says what it wants to say.
The visa suspension is one of the first actions which is initiated since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
But many students and their parents are concerned about the present.
According to a money control report, Indian students in Canada are worried. They are hoping no further tensions are increased. Doesn’t affect their studies and careers much.
Canada Pulls out its diplomats
This decision was also announced amidst Canada’s adjustment of its staff temporarily in India.
The High Commission of Canada today made an announcement and said it is initiating adjustments to its staff in India temporarily.
Citing as a part of safety measures for their diplomats, in the light of social media threats received by them.
What did the statement say?
In its statement, the high commission said
“Our high commission and all consulates in India are open and are operating properly. Continue to take care of our clients. However, due to the current environment where tensions are at an all-time high, we are temporarily adjusting our staff in India, as some diplomats of ours, have received threats on social media. As a result, we are adjusting the staff presence in view of the safety of our diplomats”.
We hope following the Vienna Convention, India will provide security to our diplomats and consulate officers.
Just as we do there.
Follow-up on the India’s travel advisory
Besides the suspension of India, Canada also rejected the travel advisory.
Also Read: India Issues Advisory for its Students and Nationals
And said that Canada is one of the safest countries in the world and has called for calm between the two countries.
According to a Tribune report citing the Globe and Mail newspaper said
That it reassures all Indian nationals, that the country is safe to travel. It is governed by the rule of law.
With regard to the allegations, the immigration minister further said due to the events taking place in 2-3 days, and due to the seriousness of the allegations, it’s important for everybody to stay calm.
