In a significant development, New Delhi has suspended visa
services for Canadian nationals indefinitely, further escalating diplomatic
tensions between the two nations. This decision comes as Ottawa has temporarily
adjusted its staff presence in India, citing concerns for the safety of
diplomats due to threats received on social media.
While there hasn’t been an official announcement regarding
the suspension of visa services, a message was posted on the Canadian website
of BLS International, the company responsible for managing visa application
centers in Canada. The message read, “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.”
An Indian official confirmed the suspension but declined to
provide further details, stating, “The language is clear and it says what
it is intended to say.” This move marks the first time that India has
suspended visa services since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, underscoring
the severity of the diplomatic rift between the two nations.
