MEA explains India suspending issuance of visas to Canadian citizens. Top Points

livemint.com:

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has led India to temporarily suspend issuing visas to Canadian citizens. The ministry of external affairs citied security threat in taking the step. Spokesperson for External Affairs Ministry Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said the decision will include Canadian visa applicants in third countries even as he asserted Canada must act against the pro-Khalistani elements operating from its territory.

The move comes amid an escalating diplomatic row over Ottawa's allegations relating to the killing of a Khalistani separatist on Canadian soil. India is temporarily unable to process visa applications from Canada because of the "security threats" faced by our high commission and consulates in Canada, Bagchi said at a media briefing. "You are aware of the security threats being faced by our high commission and consulates in Canada.

It has disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly, our high commission and consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications," he said. "The issue is the incitement of violence, the inaction by the Canadian authorities, creation of an environment that disrupts the functioning of our high commission and consulates.

That's making us temporarily stop the issuance of visas or providing visa services," he said. -A Canadian citizen will not be able to apply for visa even if they are living in a different country. -Arindam Bagchi said that all categories of visas for Canadian citizens have been suspended.