India Restarts Canada Visa Services: The Indian Embassy in Ottawa declared on Wednesday that India will start providing visa services to Canadians again today. The action may help defuse tensions in the well-known conflict over the death of a Sikh separatist in Canada. The statement from the Indian High Commission stated, “After a considered review of the security situation that takes into account some of the recent Canadian measures in this regard, it has been decided to resume visa services.”
Thus, beginning on Thursday, services related to entrance, business, medical, and conference visas will be permitted. It stated, “The Indian High Commission and the consulates in Toronto and Vancouver will continue to handle emergency services.” According to the official, work, student, tourist, and film visas have not yet been restarted but will be handled according to the situation.
Canada had 41 diplomats recalled
Days after Canada said it was returning 41 of its 62 diplomats stationed in India, the country eased its visa ban on Wednesday. Following New Delhi’s threat to revoke Canada’s diplomatic immunity. Canadian authorities saw it as a breach of the Geneva Convention, and that decision was made.
But this week, the Indian government denied any claim by requesting Canada to remove its diplomats. It was however breaking international law and ensuring that both countries had about the same number of diplomats stationed in each nation.
Why were the Canada visa services Paused?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s public accusation that Indian intelligence was involved in the death of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. It damaged ties between India and Canada, which India called “absurd.” Nijjar was sought by Indian police on allegations of terrorism and a murderous plot. Nijjar supported the establishment of a distinct Sikh state separated from India.
Canada has indeed expelled an Indian diplomat and demanded that India assist in the inquiry into his death. Outraged, New Delhi responded with countermeasures, including the closure of Canadian visa services. A warning against visiting certain regions of Canada was also issued by the Indian government to its citizens. Citing “the increase in anti-Indian activities.”
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