By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Indian authorities have stopped issuing visas to Canadian citizens amid an escalating row between both countries, arising from the killing of a Sikh separatist in Canada.
India cited “security threats” disrupting work at its missions in Canada for the move.
Tensions flared this week after Canada’s leader said India may have been involved in the June 18 killing.
India angrily rejected the allegation calling it “absurd”.
Relations between the countries, key trade and security partners of the US have been strained for months.
India’s government swiftly made clear the suspension of visa services also “applies to Canadians in a third country”.
“There have been threats made to our high commission [embassy] and consulates in Canada,” a foreign affairs ministry spokesman in Delhi said. “This has disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly they are temporarily unable to process visa applications.”
He said: “India is looking for parity in rank and diplomatic strength between the diplomatic missions of the two countries. This is being sought because of Canadian diplomatic interference in our internal affairs.”
Hours earlier Canada had announced it was reducing its personnel in India, saying some diplomats had received threats on social media.
“In light of the current environment where tensions have heightened, we are taking action to ensure the safety of our diplomats,” a statement said.
The two countries have historic close ties – and much is at stake.
The row burst into the open on Monday after Canada linked India with the murder of separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who was shot dead in his vehicle by two masked gunmen outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada’s intelligence agencies were investigating whether “agents of the government of India” were involved in the killing of Nijjar – who India designated a terrorist in 2020.
India reacted strongly, saying Canada was trying to “shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists” who had been given shelter there. The Indian government has often reacted sharply to demands by Sikh separatists in Western countries for Khalistan, or a separate Sikh homeland.
