No visas to Canadians applying from other countries too: India confirms suspension
NEW DELHI,SEPT 21 : A Canadian citizen would not be able to apply for an Indian visa even if he/she is living in any other country, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. “No visas to Canadians applying from other countries too,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. This is in addition to the suspension of visa services in Canada which was announced earlier this morning.
Hours after India “suspended till further notice” its visa services in Canada, MEA said that the security threats being faced by officials at the High Commission and consulates have disrupted their functioning, which resulted in a halt of visa services.
While addressing a press conference, Arindam Bagchi said India will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis.
“You are aware of the security threats being faced by our High Commission and consulates in Canada. This has disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly, our High Commission and Consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications. We will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis,” Arindam Bagchi said.
Speaking about increasing security at the Indian Consulate in Canada, Bagchi said, “We have always believed that it is the host government’s responsibility to provide security. Some places we have our own security posture also. But, I don’t want to discuss security measures in public. That’s not an appropriate situation”.
The senior official also claimed that a “save heaven” is being provided to terrorists in Canada.
“Safe haven is being provided in Canada. We want the Canadian government not to do so and take action against those who have terrorism charges or send them to India to face justice. We have sought extradition of around 20-25 individuals over the years, but the response has not been helpful at all,” Bagchi said.
India suspended its visa services in Canada days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of a Khalistani separatist in June.
A private agency hired for initial scrutiny of visa applications of Canadians put out a note on its website stating that Indian visa services have been “suspended till further notice”.
-PTI
