Ottawa: India has suspended visa services for Canadian nationals amid heightened tensions between the two countries. Meanwhile, Canada said it was temporarily adjusting staff presence in India to ensure the safety of diplomats following threats received on social media.
Tension is increasing between India and Canada on the issue of killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India's Visa Application Center in Canada on Thursday suspended visa services for Canadians. Earlier on Tuesday, Canada had issued an advisory to its citizens not to visit certain parts of India. India had also released a similar advisory for Canada.
Our diplomatic unit in Canada has been receiving threats: Bagchi
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arandim Bagchi said in a press conference that our diplomatic unit in Canada has been receiving threats. They are not able to do their work. This is why we have suspended visa services. We have known for a long time that Pakistan is a supporter of terrorism and also gives them money. At the same time, Canada is giving space to terrorists to live and carry out their plans.
Bagchi informed that MEA will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis. He said, "You are aware of the security threats being faced by our High Commission and Consulates in Canada. This has 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."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation of Indian involvement in Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing heightened the tensions and triggered a diplomatic row, and tit-for-tat expulsions of senior diplomats this week.
Earlier on Tuesday, Canada had issued an advisory to its citizens not to visit certain parts of India. On Wednesday, India also issued a similar advisory. After this, Canada rejected India's advisory late at night. Canada's Public Safety Minister said in Ottawa that his country is completely safe.
When India suspended visa service, fear has been expressed that Canada could also suspend visa service for Indians. This would particularly hit the large number of Indian stidents who proveed to Canada for higher studies.
Potential Canadian immigrants worried
Meanwhile, potential Canadian immigrants are concerned that a strained international relations may affect their immigration prspects.
However, immigration experts feel Canada don't have a choice apart from welcoming immigrants to help strengthen the economy. However, there could be some temporary restriction.
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