It’s been a contentious week between India and Canada and today, India has taken things a step further.
On Thursday, India announced it is suspending visas for Canadians, citing security threats against diplomats in Canada.
A notice was sent to Indian stock exchanges on Thursday, including Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange of India and the Metropolitan Stock Exchange, from BLS International, an online visa application form, stating that visa services have been suspended until further notice.
“Due to operation reasons, with immediate effect i.e. 21 September 2023, Indian visa services in Canada have been suspended till further notice,” the letter read.
A visa is an official document which gives permission to enter a foreign country. Without it, a Canadian citizen will not be permitted to enter.
This news comes amid tensions between the two countries, after Justin Trudeau accused India of potentially being behind the June 18 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh Canadian citizen, on Canadian soil.
On Tuesday, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh sent a letter to the commissioner in charge of the public inquiry into foreign interference, requesting an examination of India’s foreign interference in Canada.
I've written directly to the commissioner in charge of the public inquiry into foreign interference to include an examination of India's foreign interference in Canada in the work of the inquiry.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) September 19, 2023
I will do everything in my power to ensure the safety of all Canadians. pic.twitter.com/HdA9NGXT4f
