Canada has welcomed India’s recent decision to resume specific visa services, signaling a positive turn amid recent diplomatic tensions.
The Indian High Commission in Canada announced the resumption of visa processing for Canadians both domestically and internationally, a month after New Delhi suspended these services following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims of potential Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Nijjar had been designated a terrorist by India in 2020, leading to India dismissing Trudeau’s accusations as baseless.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller welcomed India’s move, expressing relief after what he termed “an anxious time” for many Canadians. Miller emphasized that the suspension should never have occurred, highlighting the fear it had instilled in communities.
Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan, a Sikh himself, welcomed the visa processing resumption, emphasizing the importance of unhindered travel for events such as weddings and funerals. Sajjan refrained from speculating on India’s motives but stressed the significance of this development.
India will now resume services for entry visas, business visas, medical visas, and conference visas. Marilyne Guevremont, spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, acknowledged India’s decision, stating that it would facilitate easier travel for families and businesses between the two nations.
The Canada-India Business Council also expressed optimism, considering it a promising step for trade relations and bilateral investments, particularly in the midst of challenging times.
This development occurred shortly after Canada recalled 41 diplomats from India, underlining the complexities of the diplomatic relationship between the two countries