The Indian High Commission in Ottawa has announced that it will partially reinstate visa services for Canadian applicants, a move made after a temporary suspension triggered by a diplomatic dispute.
This resumption, effective from October 26, encompasses entry visas, business visas, medical visas, and conference visas.
Indian Commission Announces Reinstating of Visa Services for Canadian Applicants Partially
The High Commission has stated that any future decisions regarding these services will be made based on an ongoing assessment of the situation.
This suspension of visa services occurred in late September amid growing tensions between India and Canada, primarily ignited by allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He suggested the possible involvement of Indian agents in the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was the leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force and was considered one of India’s most-wanted terrorists.
In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar recently indicated that visa services to Canada could be reinstated if there is a noticeable improvement in the safety and security of Indian diplomats in Canada. The initial suspension was justified by India on the grounds of “safety and security considerations,” a point that the High Commission emphasized in its statement.
Minister of External Affairs Speaks About Safety of Diplomats
Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Jaishankar, during a statement made on Sunday, expressed India’s willingness to resume the issuance of visas to Canada if there are visible advancements in ensuring the safety of Indian diplomats in the country.
As per Mr. Jaishankar, “If we see progress in safety of our diplomats in Canada, we would like to resume issuance of visas there.”
The diplomatic rift between the two nations escalated to the point where High Commission officials were withdrawn in a tit-for-tat manner. This tension was primarily fueled by Mr. Trudeau’s comments made on the sidelines of the G20 conference in Delhi, where he asserted that Canada would always “defend freedom of expression, conscience, and peaceful protest.”
India, on the other hand, has categorically rejected the allegations concerning the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, describing them as “politically motivated.” They have called on Canada to share any evidence they may have to substantiate their claims, a request to which Ottawa has not yet responded.
