India’s High Commission in Ottawa has officially announced the resumption of certain visa services in Canada, effective immediately. This decision marks a significant development following the suspension of these services in September this year amid a diplomatic row between India and Canada.
The reinstated visa services, which begin today, are initially limited to specific categories, including entry visas, business visas, medical visas, and conference visas. Officials have noted that further decisions regarding the resumption of additional services will be made based on an ongoing assessment of the situation.
The latest Press Release on resumption of visa service may be seen here. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @PIB_India @DDNewslive @ANI @WIONews @TOIIndiaNews @htTweets @cgivancouver @IndiainToronto pic.twitter.com/iwKIgF2qin
— India in Canada (@HCI_Ottawa) October 25, 2023
It is important to highlight that entry visas are primarily intended for “persons of Indian origin,” their partners, children, and immediate family members of Indian citizens. However, it remains unclear at this juncture whether visa services will also be extended to individuals seeking tourist visas.
India-Canada Row:
The diplomatic row between India and Canada that led to the suspension of visa services escalated following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of possible Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June this year. Subsequently, both countries engaged in a tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats, further exacerbating the situation.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, recently shed light on the decision to halt visa issuance in Canada, explaining that the relationship between the two countries had entered a “difficult phase.” He underscored that the safety and security of Indian diplomats were paramount, necessitating the temporary suspension of visa services.
“Several weeks ago, we temporarily halted the issuance of visas in Canada because it was no longer safe for our diplomats to carry out their duties, including visa processing,” Dr. Jaishankar said.
Jaishankar also expressed optimism about resuming visa services for Canadians “very soon” contingent upon improvements in the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada.
“I anticipate that the situation will improve, allowing our diplomats to perform their fundamental duties with greater confidence. Ensuring the safety and security of diplomats is of utmost importance, as prescribed by the Vienna Convention,” Dr Jaishankar elaborated.
