India Resumes Visa Services In Canada For Select Categories Amid Diplomatic Row; All You Need To Know
Now, India has restarted visa services in Canada for various categories, such as entry visas, business visas, medical visas, and conference visas, as per a statement from the High Commission of India in Ottawa.
As diplomatic tensions linger between India and Canada, a notable step was taken on Wednesday when India resumed its visa services in the North American country. This move follows India's recent announcement of its intention to restart visa services for Canadians soon, signifying potential diplomatic progress amid strained relations.
When did India stop visa services to Canada?
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More than a month ago, India stopped providing visas to Canadians after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada suggested a potential link between the Indian government and the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India had also requested that Canada reduce its diplomatic presence in the country.
Now, India has restarted visa services in Canada for various categories, such as entry visas, business visas, medical visas, and conference visas, as per a statement from the High Commission of India in Ottawa.
On Sunday, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar explained that India took this action due to concerns about ¡°continuous interference¡± in its "domestic matters" by Canadian personnel.
While acknowledging that the relationship between India and Canada is facing challenges, Jaishankar indicated that India is considering resuming visa services for Canadians soon.
The decision to continue these services will depend on improvements in the safety and security of Indian diplomats in Canada.
His remarks underscore the Indian government's firm stance on the issue of diplomatic equality, particularly in light of recent support for Canada from the United States and the United Kingdom.
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In response, Canada has withdrawn 41 diplomats from India and suspended visa and consular services in its consulates in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. These services are currently provided exclusively at the Canadian High Commission in Delhi.
Why did the India-Canada tension begin?
Last month, tensions escalated between the two nations after Trudeau suggested the "potential" involvement of Indian authorities in killing Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia.
It's important to note that India had previously classified Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. India vehemently refuted these allegations, deeming them "absurd" and "motivated."
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