1. Finally, some progress in India-Canada ties

| Oct 26, 2023, 13:44 IST

Resuming visa services

India has decided to resume visa services in Canada for four categories from today after a considered review of the security situation which "takes into account some recent Canadian measures in this regard".

A diplomatic row

In September, India had "suspended till further notice" its visa services in Canada amid a diplomatic dispute.
This was triggered by remarks of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who alleged on September 18 that there was a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June.
India rejected the allegations as "absurd and motivated", following which both countries expelled one diplomat each.
Last week, Canada pulled out 41 diplomats from India, after New Delhi conveyed its concerns over parity in diplomatic strength. Ottawa also halted its visa and consular services in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru consulates.

Safety and security

The decision of India to suspend visa services was attributed to safety and security considerations.
India temporarily halted the issuance of visas in Canada because it was deemed unsafe for Indian diplomats to carry out their duties, the government said.

A review

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said on Sunday that India will resume issuing visas to Canadians if it "sees progress" in the area of safety of its diplomats.
The four categories in which India has decided to resume visa services in Canada from today include entry visa, business visa, medical visa, and conference visa.
The Indian high commission in Ottawa on Wednesday noted that further decisions would be based on continuing evaluation of the situation. More here

Popular from Business

end of article