The relationship between India and Canada had faced significant challenges following a dispute related to the killing of a Sikh separatist in British Columbia. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the incident further exacerbated the tension between the two nations.
In response to the strained ties, India had suspended visa services for Canadians globally. The High Commission of India in Ottawa and Indian consulates in Toronto and Vancouver temporarily ceased these services, citing “safety and security considerations.”
India has now made the decision to resume visa services for four specific categories: entry, business, medical purposes, and conferences. Emergency cases will continue to be addressed.
The statement issued by the Indian mission specified that further actions in this matter would be determined based on an ongoing assessment of the situation.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified that the suspension of visa services was primarily due to concerns regarding the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada.
Recently, Canada withdrew 41 of its 62 diplomats from India following India’s request for parity between the missions of the two countries. This withdrawal was a response to India’s move to strip Canadian officials of diplomatic immunity, which was seen as a potential risk to their personal safety.