Update (September 21, 02:37 PM): Ticker on the BLS International – India Visa Application Center Canada – reappears after briefly disappearing from the website.#UPDATE | Ticker on the BLS International – India Visa Application Center Canada – reappears after briefly disappearing from the website. pic.twitter.com/JG9xEsMznK— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023#UPDATE | Ticker from the BLS International – India Visa Application Center Canada – removed.The ticker earlier said, Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice. Please keep checking BLS website… pic.twitter.com/CXedjSQBEB— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023Amid high tensions with Canada, India on Thursday has suspended visa services for Canadian nationals indefinitely amid heightened tensions between the two countries even as Ottawa said it was temporarily adjusting staff presence in India to ensure the safety of diplomats following threats received on social media.The notice issued by India Visa Application Center Canada says, “Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice. Please keep checking BLS website for further updates.”Important notice from Indian Mission | Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice. Please keep checking BLS website for further updates, India Visa Application Center Canada says. pic.twitter.com/hQz296ewKC— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2023An Indian official confirmed the suspension but refused to comment on this further. “The language is clear and it says what it is intended to say.” This is the first time India has suspended visas since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, no official statement has been made so far.MEA issues advisory to Indian students in CanadaMeanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory for Indian students in Canada, quoting “Avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents.”Advisory for Indian Nationals and Indian Students in Canada:https://t.co/zboZDH83iw pic.twitter.com/7YjzKbZBIK— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) September 20, 2023The move from Indian ministry has come in view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution.Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda.Hindu forum seeks security in CanadaMembers of Hindu Forum Canada have written to Canadas Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc seeking security for the countrys Hindu community in the face of direct threats from Khalistani elements.Hindu Forum Canada is a Not-for-Profit humanitarian organisation based in Ontario that advocates for policies that enhance the wellbeing of minority groups in Canada.Designated terrorist in India, Gurpatwant Pannun in a recent viral video, said pro-Khalistan Sikhs have consistently shown loyalty to Canada. He then went on to threaten Indo-Canadian Hindus, urging them to leave the country.“Hindus living in Canada, leave Canada as soon as possible,” he said in a viral video.
