India Stops Issuing Visas to Canadians, Asks Canada to Reduce Diplomatic Presence

India has stopped issuing visas for Canadians and requested a reduction of Canadian diplomats in the country amid fallout from Ottawa’s allegations.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes part in a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 10, 2023. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick

In retaliation for Canada linking India with the killing of a B.C. man, the Indian government has now put a stop to the processing of visas for Canadians and says it requested a reduction of Canadian diplomats in the country.

“We have informed the Canadian government that there should be parity in strength and rank equivalents ... in mutual diplomatic presence,” Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Arindam Bagchi told reporters on Sept. 21.