India has temporarily suspended visa services for Canadians and urged Canada to downsize its diplomatic staff in the country, as the diplomatic clash between the two countries intensifies.

The tension between the two countries started when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged India”s hand in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was residing in Canada.

Canada has also expelled one of the senior Indian diplomats from the country and issued a travel advisory for its citizens visiting India. Denying the allegations, India retaliated with reciprocal actions, including expelling Canadian diplomats, issuing a visa advisory for Indian nationals residing in Canada, and most importantly, suspending visa services for Canadian citizens.

The government said on Thursday that the suspension of visa services was taken because of “security threats faced by our High Commissions and Consulates” in Canada.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “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.”

Canada has a large Indian diaspora, a large proportion of which is from Punjab. With the festival season approaching, many families are traveling to India. In this context, we publish some FAQs to help you understand the regulations.

Here are some FAQs: 

Can Indian students accepted into a Canadian university travel to Canada?

Yes, there are no restrictions on Indian citizens traveling to Canada as of Friday, September 22, 2023.

Can Indian citizens studying in Canada travel to India?

Yes, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that there are no curbs on Indian citizens, students or otherwise, traveling to India from Canada.

Will Canadian citizens be able to apply for new visas to India?

No, India has halted all visa services for citizens of Canada, except those with existing visas.

Can Indians, who are in India, be able to travel to Canada?

Yes, so far, Canada has not imposed any curbs on Indians traveling to the country.

Can people travel from Canada to India for work or business?

Yes, but only those who have an existing Indian visa. If they don”t, they won”t be allowed to travel as India”s visa application curbs on Canadians extend across sectors.

Can people with valid Indian visas or the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card travel to India?

Yes, those who have valid visas and OCI are free to travel to India, according to the external affairs ministry.

Will the visa suspension impact Canadians who are living in India?

No, their current visas remain valid. They can apply to renew their visa as per the rules governing their visa categories.