In a significant development, India has decided to resume electronic visa services for Canadian nationals, ending a nearly two-month hiatus, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The decision comes after visa services were temporarily halted on September 21, following a diplomatic dispute triggered by Canada’s allegations of the Indian government’s involvement in the June killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen.
The resumption of e-visa services is being seen as a good gesture by India ahead of the virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit today.
Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will also participate in the virtual event being hosted by India on Wednesday.
With this latest move, all visa services, including tourist visas, have been reinstated, claimed sources. Notably, services for certain categories, such as business and medical visas, had already resumed last month, marking a gradual normalization of diplomatic relations.
Diplomatic tensions escalated in September, leading to India’s suspension of visa issuance for Canadian citizens until further notice. The dispute included the expulsion of a senior diplomat from each country and India imposing “parity” in the number of senior officials in their respective missions.
As a part of the escalating tensions, both nations exchanged travel advisories. India urged its citizens in Canada to exercise “utmost caution” due to concerns about “politically-condoned” hate crimes.
Despite the serious allegations, the Indian government has consistently and firmly denied any involvement in Nijjar’s death, dismissing the claims as “absurd” and “motivated.” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking at an event in the United Kingdom, reiterated the demand for evidence from Canada, stating that India is open to considering any proof supporting the allegations.
The strained relations between India and Canada have not only impacted diplomatic ties but also led to a pause in discussions on a long-pending trade deal. Talks on this front, on hold since September, might continue to be on hold, as Canada remains focused on the Nijjar case, according to statements from Canada’s Trade Minister, Mary Ng.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, was fatally shot outside a gurudwara in Vancouver, Canada, in June. The Indian government had officially designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. The resumption of e-visa services represents a positive step towards normalizing relations, although the broader impact on diplomatic ties and trade negotiations remains to be seen.
(Inputs from agencies)
