Canada, India: Canadian authorities suspend in-person consulate operations in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai effective Oct. 20 /update 1

Event

Effective Oct. 20, Canadian authorities have temporarily suspended their in-person consulate operations in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai until further notice amid rising bilateral diplomatic tensions. Canadian officials have further indicated that visa application processes will be delayed over the coming months; however, in-person consular services will remain operational at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi. The Indian government previously suspended its visa application services for Canadian nationals on Sept. 21; Indian officials have not specified when such services would resume. The India visa suspension impacts all visa categories, including electronic visa applications, although other consular services will continue, and previously issued visas remain valid.

Associated travel disruptions between both states are likely, and additional disruptions to consular services remain possible.

Context

The decision to suspend in-person consular services in select Indian cities on Oct. 20 comes amid rising bilateral diplomatic tensions. On Sept. 18, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a parliamentary statement about "credible allegations" of the Indian government's involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader, who was also a Canadian national. India has firmly refuted the claim; Prime Minister Trudeau has asserted that his government will conduct a probe into the accusations. Both countries have expelled senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat move and advised their respective citizens to exercise heightened caution during travel to the other nation. The diplomatic strains hold the potential to impact bilateral trade, which stood at $8 billion in 2022.

Advice

Confirm all travel arrangements before departure if traveling between India and Canada. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Heed all official transport and security advisories.

Resources

High Commission of India in Canada
Government of Canada Embassies and Consulates in India