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- The government of India on Thursday announced it will not be issuing visas to Canadians.
- It said the move was necessary because of security concerns at its mission in Canada.
- But the ban will apply to all Canadian citizens anywhere in the world.
The Indian government on Thursday confirmed a total halt on issuing visas to Canadian citizens, as the diplomatic row over Canada's murder allegations continued to deepen.
An Indian government website reported that its spokesperson for the external affairs ministry, Arindam Bagchi, said "that the decision was taken due to the incitement of violence and inaction of Canadian authority and creating an environment that disrupts the functions of the Indian High Commission and Consulates in Canada."
However, the ban will also extend to Canadian citizens in other countries, for reasons that are not clear.
Those with current and valid visas will still be able to travel to India, Bagchi said.
Earlier on Thursday, BLS International, an Indian company offering visa facilities, posted and then minutes later removed a notice announcing the suspension of visa services for Canadian citizens.
Tensions between the two countries escalated earlier this week when Canada said that it was pursuing links between Indian government agents and the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia in June.
Canada said it had "credible allegations" that Indian agents were involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India rejected the allegations as absurd, then issued a travel warning to its citizens, saying they may be subject to "politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence" in parts of Canada.
READ | Be careful in Canada, India tells its citizens after Canada accuses it of murder
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government categorically rejected Canada's suspicions that Indian agents had links to the alleged murder.
With both nations expelling diplomats, analysts said India and Canada diplomatic ties have touched their lowest point.
Canada is India's 17th largest foreign investor, pouring in more than $3.6 billion since 2000, while Canadian portfolio investors have invested billions of dollars in Indian stock and debt markets.
Since 2018, India has been the largest source country for international students in Canada.
In 2022, their number rose 47% to nearly 320 000, accounting for about 40% of total overseas students, the Canadian Bureau of International Education says, which also helps universities and colleges provide a subsidised education to domestic students.
Industry estimates show the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Canada and India could boost two-way trade by as much as $6.5 billion, yielding a GDP gain of $3.8 billion to $5.9 billion for Canada by 2035.
Canada "adjusts" staff levels in India
Meanwhile, Canada's High Commission said Thursday it would "adjust" the number of its diplomats in India after threats on social media against staff.
"In light of the current environment where tensions have heightened, we are taking action to ensure the safety of our diplomats", Canada's mission said in a statement.
"With some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms, Global Affairs Canada is assessing its staff complement in India," it added.
"As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India."
The move came days after India's foreign ministry said it was concerned for the safety of its citizens in Canada because of "politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence".
"Threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda," a ministry statement said Wednesday.
"Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents."
The advisory did not name specific cities or locations for Indians to avoid.
The Indian government accuses Ottawa of turning a blind eye to the activities of radical Sikh nationalists who advocate the creation of an independent Sikh state to be carved out of northern India.
Asked about the reduction of Canadian diplomatic staff in India, ministry spokesperson Bagchi said the change was at India's behest, and that it had asked for "parity in strength in the mutual diplomatic presence", the Indian government reported on its website.
Additional reporting by Reuters and AFP
