India Suspends Canadian Visa Services Over Security Concerns
India’s Move Amid Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
India has recently suspended visa services for Canadian citizens, citing “security threats” against its diplomats in Canada. This action has further intensified the ongoing diplomatic dispute between the two nations, triggered by Canada’s accusation that India may be linked to the assassination of a Sikh separatist activist on Canadian soil.
Visa Services Suspended Until Further Notice
BLS International, the agency responsible for processing Indian visa applications in Canada, disclosed in a letter to Indian stock exchanges that visa services have been suspended indefinitely. This abrupt suspension raises concerns about the impact on travel and cross-border relations.
Canada’s Allegations of Indian Involvement in Assassination
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that Canadian authorities had been investigating “credible allegations” of potential ties between “agents of the government of India” and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh Canadian citizen. Nijjar was fatally shot by masked assailants in June, leading to a heated exchange of accusations between the two nations.
India’s Denial and Lack of Evidence
India vehemently denies any involvement in Nijjar’s death, dismissing the allegations as “absurd and motivated.” The Indian foreign ministry points out the absence of specific evidence provided by Canada to substantiate the claims of Indian involvement in the assassination. This denial has deepened the diplomatic schism between India and Canada.
Expulsions and Diplomatic Rift
In response to the allegations and escalating tensions, both India and Canada have expelled senior diplomats from each other’s countries. This tit-for-tat diplomatic response risks straining the relationship between these significant partners of the United States, potentially complicating future cooperation.
The Khalistan Connection
The slain activist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was an ardent advocate for the creation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland that would include parts of India’s Punjab state. India considers the Khalistan movement a national security threat and has classified several associated groups as “terrorist organizations” under its Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Nijjar’s name was on the Home Ministry’s list of UAPA terrorists, and he had been accused of attempting to radicalize the global Sikh community in support of Khalistan.
Impact on the Sikh Community in Canada
Nijjar’s assassination outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, profoundly affected Canada’s Sikh community, one of the largest Sikh populations outside India, with over 770,000 members. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the safety and security of Sikhs in Canada.
In conclusion, the suspension of Canadian visa services by India, amidst the backdrop of diplomatic tensions and accusations, has led to a strained relationship between these two countries. The unresolved issue of Nijjar’s assassination and its potential connections to Indian government agents remains a contentious point of contention.
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