The Canadian government has made known its intention to suspend in-person operations at its consulate offices in India following the on-going murder row, which caused a diplomatic dispute between the two countries over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and a prominent supporter of the creation of a separate Sikh homeland known as Khalistan, was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada on June 18, 2023.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that he had credible information linking India to the murder, and accused India of undermining the international order and peace.
India denied the allegations and called them absurd and motivated. India also expelled a Canadian diplomat and suspended visa services for Canadian citizens over security threats against its diplomats in Canada.
Canada withdrew 41 diplomats from India as a result of the fallout from the dispute and said it would not take retaliatory steps. Canada also called for India to cooperate in the investigation and allow justice to follow its course.
The dispute has strained the relations between the two countries, which are both key partners of the United States and have significant trade and cultural ties.
The Canadian government has now stated that there will be delays in the processing of visa temporarily.
The announcement which was made on Friday will affect consulate offices in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai.
“The Consulates General of Canada in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai are temporarily suspending in-person operations,” said a statement from the Canadian High Commission, or embassy, in New Delhi, adding that services remain normal in the capital.
“Canada has a strong connection with Indian citizens, and will continue to welcome them, whether they wish to come here to visit, work, study, be reunited with loved ones, or live permanently in the country”.
“The state of our bilateral relations, the much higher number of Canadian diplomats in India, and their continued interference in our internal affairs warrant a parity in mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa”.
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