Canadian Tourists, Rejoice! India’s E-Visa Services Back on Track After 2-Month Break
The Indian government has categorically denied what it deems “absurd” and “motivated” allegations regarding its involvement in the death of Mr. Nijjar, calling for Ottawa to provide evidence to support its claims.
India has resumed electronic visa services for Canadian nationals after a nearly two-month pause, according to sources. Visa services, including tourist visas, have now fully resumed, while services for specific categories, such as business and medical visas, had already resumed last month.
In September, India had suspended the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens “till further notice.” This move followed a series of diplomatic exchanges, including the expulsion of a senior diplomat from each country and India imposing “parity” in the number of senior officials assigned to missions in each country.
As part of the heightened tensions, both nations exchanged travel advisories. India advised its citizens in Canada, and those contemplating travel, to exercise “utmost caution” due to “politically-condoned” hate crimes.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, reiterating India’s demand, stated last week in the United Kingdom, which has been urging India to cooperate with Canada’s inquiry, “We are not ruling out an investigation… (but) if you (the Canadian government) have a reason to make such an allegation, please share the evidence with us. We will look at anything you have to offer.”
