India suspends visa services for Canadian citizens amid diplomatic row

NEW DELHI -- India on Thursday suspended visa services for Canadian citizens, visa service provider BLS International said Thursday on its website, citing a notice from the Indian mission.

The BLS International, a private agency hired for initial scrutiny of visa applications, said "Important notice from Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice."

The announcement came amid a diplomatic tussle between the two countries, where Ottawa accused New Delhi of involvement in the killing of a Sikh leader in Canada.

Both countries had expelled each other's diplomats from their respective embassies.

The Indian government on Wednesday issued an advisory to its citizens in Canada against traveling to areas that are prone to anti-India activities.