India resumes e-Visa services for Canadians after 2-month hiatus: Sources

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E-Visa services resume for Canadian citizens

India has resumed electronic visa services for Canadian citizens after a gap of almost two months, sources told NDTV on Wednesday. Visa services were suspended on September 21 amid a diplomatic row. In fact, Canada alleged that “agents of the Government of India” were involved in the killing of Khalistan militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June. However, the Indian government vehemently denied any role in Nijjar’s murder, calling the allegations “absurd” and “motivated” and demanding evidence to back up its claims.

Visa services were suspended following the tension

In a clear rejection of Trudeau’s statement, India ordered Canada’s senior diplomat to leave the country within 5 days. Canada then advised its citizens not to visit certain parts of India. In response to which India also issued a similar advisory for Canada. After which India suspended the services of India’s visa application center in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs asked Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence in India, citing “interference by Canadian diplomats in Indian affairs”.

What did the Ministry of External Affairs say?

The Ministry of External Affairs said, “Canada discriminates in issuing visas. The suspension of visa service is not intended to stop Canadian citizens from coming to India. Those who have visas can come, but it has been suspended for security reasons. Our diplomats.” As per the Vienna Convention, India provides adequate security to every diplomat.” After the incident, e-Visa services for Canadian citizens were suspended for two months. Now India has resumed visa services once again.

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