In the massive diplomatic row between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the latest development is the suspension of visa processing for Canadian applicants by the Indian mission in Canada.
BLS International, a global provider of outsourced visa services, posted a message on its Canadian website that said: “Important notice from the Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21st September 2023 [Thursday], Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice.”
Hindustan Times quoted an unnamed Indian official as saying, “The language is clear and it says what it is intended to say.”
Meanwhile, Canada has decided to “temporarily adjust staff presence in India”, which seems to be yet another tit-for-tat measure after diplomat expulsions and travel advisory issuance by both the countries.
A spokesperson for the Canadian foreign ministry told the media in Canada that “out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India. All of our locations are staffed by diplomats and locally engaged staff to ensure business and operational continuity.”