India has lifted the suspension on electronic visa services for Canadian nationals, according to sources. The visa services were put on hold on September 21 amid a diplomatic dispute between the two countries. The disagreement arose from Canada’s claims that individuals linked to the Indian government were involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, in June.
With the resumption of electronic visa services, all visa categories, including tourist visas, are now available for Canadian citizens. Last month, services for four categories, including business and medical visas, had already been reinstated.
The suspension of visa issuance to Canadian citizens by India was put in place “till further notice” as the two countries exchanged diplomatic barbs. This included the expulsion of a senior diplomat from each side and India demanding “parity” in the number of senior officials deputed to missions in both countries.
In addition, travel advisories were issued by both nations. India advised its citizens in Canada, as well as those planning to travel there, to exercise caution due to “politically-condoned” hate crimes.
The Indian government has consistently denied the allegations that it was involved in Nijjar’s death, calling them “absurd” and “motivated”. They have urged Ottawa to provide evidence to support their claims.
Relations between India and Canada have suffered a setback since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the assertion that his government has “credible allegations” connecting Indian government “agents” to Nijjar’s killing.
Furthermore, the two countries have paused discussions on a long-pending trade deal. Canada’s Trade Minister, Mary Ng, suggested that talks on the trade deal, on hold since September, might remain suspended as Canada is currently focused on the Nijjar case. It is worth noting that Canada requested the pause before Trudeau made his claim.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, was shot dead in June outside a gurudwara in Vancouver, Canada. The Indian government officially designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020.
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