In a significant development amidst escalating diplomatic tensions, India announced the resumption of certain visa services for Canadians, effectively ending a month-long freeze. This decision comes in the wake of a contentious period that saw Indian officials suspending visa services following allegations of their involvement in the death of a pro-Khalistan activist in British Columbia, a claim vehemently denied by India. The announcement, made through social media, paves the way for resuming entry visas, business visas, medical visas, and conference visas. While this move provides a glimmer of hope for Indian-born Canadians and their families, diplomatic challenges continue to loom large over the bilateral relationship between India and Canada.
Visa Services Resumed After Month-Long Freeze:
After a month-long hiatus, Indian authorities, through an announcement posted on social media, have declared the resumption of visa services for Canadians. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa and the consulates-general in Toronto and Vancouver will begin processing entry visas, business visas, medical visas, and conference visas starting Thursday. However, the announcement clarifies that emergency situations will continue to receive immediate attention, as they have been during the freeze. Furthermore, it emphasizes that future decisions will be made based on the evolving situation, indicating a cautious approach amid persisting tensions.
Diplomatic Tensions Persist Following Suspension:
The backdrop of this resumption is the lingering diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. It all started in late September when Indian officials in Canada suspended visa services, triggered by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of India’s involvement in the killing of a pro-Khalistan activist in British Columbia. This accusation was strongly denied by India, causing high levels of friction between the two nations. Just last week, 41 Canadian diplomats left India after India’s announcement that the individuals listed would lose their diplomatic immunity, further escalating the situation. Prime Minister Trudeau, in response, accused India of violating international law, highlighting the gravity of the ongoing rift in diplomatic relations.
Canada Seeks Cooperation in Pro-Khalistan Activist’s Investigation:
Addressing the resumption of visa services, Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan expressed relief that services were back on track but regretted the freeze in the first place. Sajjan also revealed that the Canadian government has been urging India for more cooperation in the investigation into the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the pro-Khalistan activist at the center of the initial allegations. Reporters inquired about the ongoing police investigation into Nijjar’s death, to which Sajjan asserted the independence of police investigators and his confidence in their ability to conduct a thorough investigation.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller also chimed in, stating that the suspension of visa services was a mistake and that the diplomatic situation with India had caused fear in many communities. This sentiment underlines the broader impact of strained relations between the two nations.
Marilyne Guèvremont, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, acknowledged India’s decision to resume specific categories of visa processing for Canadians. In a statement, she emphasized the importance of people-to-people ties between Canada and India and how the resumption of visa services would facilitate travel for families and businesses. This acknowledgment signifies a diplomatic attempt to rebuild bridges and ease the difficulties faced by Canadians of Indian origin.
As visa services restart, it remains to be seen how these developments will affect the ongoing diplomatic dialogue between India and Canada. While the resumption of services offers a glimmer of hope for those who have been separated from their families or businesses, the underlying tensions serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in mending diplomatic relations between these two nations.
