The High Commission of India is seen in Ottawa, Canada, Sept 20, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

NEW DELHI – India on Thursday suspended visa services for Canadian citizens, visa service provider BLS International said on Thursday on its website citing a notice from the Indian mission.

“Important notice from Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice,” said BLS International, a private agency hired for initial scrutiny of visa applications.

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The announcement came amid a diplomatic tussle between the two countries, where Ottawa accused New Delhi of involvement in the killing of a Sikh leader in Canada.

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Both countries had expelled each other's diplomats from their respective embassies.

The Indian government on Wednesday issued an advisory to its citizens in Canada against traveling to areas that are prone to anti-India activities.