Amid growing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, the Indian government has suspended visas for Canadian citizens for an indefinite period.

While there has been no official announcement regarding the suspension of visa services, BLS International, the company responsible for operating visa application centers in Canada, posted a notice on its Canada website stating : “Important announcement from the Indian delegation: For operational reasons, Effective September 21, 2023 [Thursday], visa services to India have been suspended until further notice. new notification.

Indian authorities confirmed the suspension but gave no further details, but said “The words are clear and say what needs to be said.” As tensions continue to rise, India issued an advisory on Wednesday, urging Indian students and NRIs in Canada to exercise caution due to increased anti-India activities and what it described as “insurgency.” hate crime is politically condoned.” Indian students, in particular, have been urged to remain vigilant.

A spokesperson for Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that some diplomats had received threats on social media platforms, saying, “The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs (Foreign Affairs) is reviewing their qualifications.” HR in India. Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust our employee presence in India. All of our locations are staffed with diplomatic and local staff to ensure operational and business continuity has been placed.”

The trigger for this escalation was the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurudwara in Surrey, British Columbia. Nijjar was a prominent figure in the separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which accused India of orchestrating his assassination.

The rift between the two countries widened after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the assassination of Khalidistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The accusation sparked a diplomatic row that led to the expulsion of senior diplomats from both countries earlier this week.

The decision to suspend visas came as the Ottawa government announced it would temporarily regulate the presence of staff in India, citing concerns about the security of diplomats following threats on the social media platform.