India Resumes E-Visa Services for Canadian Nationals Following Two-Month Hiatus
Image Source: India Today
India has resumed e-visa services for Canadian nationals, ending a nearly two-month suspension that began on September 21, in a diplomatic turnaround. The halt was initially imposed by the Indian Mission in Canada, citing operational reasons. The decision followed strained relations sparked by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s unverified allegations of a potential Indian connection to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.
While certain visa categories were reintroduced in October, including exceptions for tourists, employees, students, filmmakers, missionaries, and journalists, the recent development signals a comprehensive resumption of services across all visa types.
The timing is noteworthy, aligning with Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau’s scheduled participation in the virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit on November 22. This virtual encounter marks the first interaction between Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi since the diplomatic rift.
Trudeau’s accusations, made in the House of Commons, alleged a credible link between Indian agents and Nijjar’s killing, a claim promptly dismissed by New Delhi as “absurd” and “motivated.” Despite the absence of supporting evidence, Trudeau reiterated the allegation on November 12, accusing India of violating the Vienna Convention by expelling numerous diplomats.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, maintained that India remains open to an investigation but emphasized that Canada has not provided any evidence to substantiate its claims. During an event at Wilton Park in London, Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance, stating, “If you have a reason to make such an allegation, please share the evidence with us. We are not ruling out an investigation and looking at anything which they may have to offer. They haven’t done so.”
As the two nations navigate this diplomatic impasse, the resumption of e-visa services signifies a step towards normalizing relations, albeit against the backdrop of unresolved allegations that continue to strain the ties between India and Canada.
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