India Resumes E-Visa Services for Canadian Nationals, Easing Tensions

In a significant diplomatic development, India has officially resumed electronic visa (e-visa) services for Canadian nationals, marking the end of a suspension that began in September. This move comes after a careful review of the security situation and recent measures taken by Canada.

The Indian Mission in Canada initially suspended visa services in September, citing operational reasons. BLS International Services Limited, an Indian outsourcing service provider for government and diplomatic missions worldwide, relayed the suspension, urging applicants to stay updated through their website.

However, a change in stance occurred in October, as India decided to partially restore visa services for four categories—entry visa, business visa, medical visa, and conference visa—effective from October 26. This decision followed a considered evaluation of the security situation, taking into account recent measures implemented by the Canadian government.

The diplomatic tensions leading to the suspension of visa services in September were rooted in a dispute involving Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations against the Indian government. Trudeau had alleged the involvement of “agents of the Indian government” in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. Nijjar, designated a terrorist in India, was shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia

India strongly rejected the allegations as “absurd and motivated” and responded by expelling a Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move. The Indian government deemed the statements made by the Canadian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister as baseless.

With the resumption of e-visa services, there is hope for a thaw in diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, fostering a more constructive relationship between the two nations.