A day after it issued a strongly-worded advisory to Indian nationals in Canada, warning against “anti-India activities” and “politically-condoned hate crimes”, New Delhi Thursday stopped visa services in that country.
The announcement was made on the website of the visa facility website of the Indian High Commission in Canada.
This also comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a “potential link” between “agents of the Government of India” and the killing of a Khalistan separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada earlier this year. As Canada expelled a senior Indian diplomat, India retaliated on Tuesday by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat.
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MEA’s statement on Indian nationals in Canada
On Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said in its travel advisory all Indian nationals in Canada and those looking to travel there must “exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant” “in view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence” in that country.
“Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda… Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents,” it said.
The MEA said the Indian High Commission and Consulates General will continue to be in contact with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Canada.
The ministry also asked Indian nationals and students from India in Canada to register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites, or the MADAD portal, madad.gov.in.
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