India suspends visa services in Canada as tension rises between two countries

India suspended its visa services in Canada Thursday, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate following allegations of New Delhi’s involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Sikh leader, the foreign media reported. 

While the Indian High Commission in Canada has not made an official announcement, a notification announcing the suspension was added to the website of BLS International—the consultancy firm which operates India’s visa services in Canada.  

The notification cites the Indian mission in Canada saying the suspension is due to “operational reasons” and will remain in effect “until further notice”.