India has reinstated e-visa services for Canadian nationals after nearly a two-month suspension, according to sources familiar with the matter. The resumption covers all visa categories, marking a significant development following a pause in visa issuances on September 21.
The suspension, earlier initiated by the Indian Mission in Canada, was attributed to operational reasons. The hiatus ensued amidst strained relations between the two countries, triggered by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s unverified allegations of a potential Indian connection to the killing of pro-Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.
In October, India had restarted specific visa services for Canadian citizens, excluding categories such as tourist, employment, student, film, missionary, and journalist visas. However, the recent announcement signifies the resumption of visa services for all categories.
This renewal comes just before Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s participation in the virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for November 22. Trudeau’s attendance marks a significant engagement, particularly considering the strained relations between India and Canada post the aforementioned allegations.
Trudeau’s allegations in the House of Commons concerning a possible link between Indian agents and Nijjar’s killing were firmly refuted by New Delhi as baseless and unsupported. Despite repeated claims, Trudeau has not provided evidence to substantiate the allegations.
The escalating tension between the two countries further intensified when Trudeau accused India of breaching the Vienna Convention by expelling numerous diplomats. In response, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India’s willingness to consider an investigation into Canada’s claims but highlighted the absence of evidence shared by Ottawa.
During discussions with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly, Jaishankar emphasized India’s request for evidence, reiterating that no substantiation had been presented to support the allegations.
Sources By Agencies
