India-Canada Diplomatic Row: Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, the Indian government on Thursday suspended visa services for Canadian citizens citing security threats to its staff in its consulates and high commission in Canada.
The diplomatic relations between the two nations deteriorated following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of the potential involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Colombia in June.
While announcing the visa restrictions, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “You are aware of the security threats being faced by our High Commission and consulates in Canada. These have disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly, our High Commission and consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications. We will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis.”
Bagchi also added that the suspension of visa facilities in Indian missions in Canada will also apply to third-country applicants who opt to apply for visas through Indian missions in Canada.
Earlier, India also advised all Indian nationals in Canada to “exercise utmost caution”, due to the “growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada”.
Who Will Be Impacted By The Suspension Of Visa Services?
- The suspension of visa services will impact all Canadian nationals who wish to visit India but do not have a valid visa. This will include tourists, students, business travellers and others.
- The decision will also affect the family members of Indian citizens who were planning to visit India to visit their family and friends.
- The restriction also applies to Canadians in a third country seeking to apply for an Indian visa.
What Are The Exemptions From The Suspension Of Visa Services?
Amid the suspension of visa services, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that those who have valid Indian visas or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card are free to travel to India.
The OCI card holders can enter and stay in India indefinitely without a visa.
The Indian government has also emphasised that people in Canada having prior Indian visas will not be impacted by the decision. Their visa is still valid and they can travel to India.
How Long Will The Suspension Of Visa Services Remain?
The government has announced the suspension of visa services temporarily, however, there is no mention of the timeline. It depends on how India and Canada resolve their diplomatic dispute.
MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi emphasised that the situation will be reviewed regularly.
Will Visa Suspension Impact Canadians Residing In India?
The MEA has clarified that the current visas of Canadians living in India remain valid and they can apply to renew their visas by the rules governing their visa categories.