Canada welcomes India's decision to resume visa services, says 'a good sign'

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Canada has expressed its positive reception of India's recent move to reinstate several visa services within the country. This development is seen as a promising sign following a period of diplomatic tension between the two nations, sparked by the killing of a Sikh separatist and allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

India's high commission in Canada confirmed the resumption of visa services for Canadians, both within Canada and abroad, PTI reported.

The suspension of these visa services had been implemented by India in response to a diplomatic dispute that escalated due to Prime Minister Trudeau's claims of potential Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India had previously designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020 and strongly rejected Trudeau's allegations.

Canada has responded positively to India's decision. Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressed his optimism, highlighting the unnecessary suspension of these services and the associated anxiety among many Canadians. He emphasized the unease that had gripped various communities during the diplomatic tensions.

Harjit Sajjan, the Emergency Preparedness Minister who is of Sikh descent, welcomed the resumption of visa processing. He acknowledged its significance in facilitating the movement of people between the two countries, particularly for events like weddings and funerals.

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India's decision to reinstate specific visa categories encompasses entry visas, business visas, medical visas, and conference visas.

Marilyne Guevremont, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada (GAC), emphasized the importance of people-to-people ties between Canada and India. She underlined how India's decision to resume visa services would simplify travel for families and businesses between the two countries.

The Canada-India Business Council also welcomed the development, considering it a positive step for trade relations and bilateral business and investment opportunities.

It's worth noting that Canada had recently withdrawn 41 of its diplomats from India, an action that had significantly heightened tensions between the two nations.

This resumption of visa services is viewed as a constructive step in repairing diplomatic relations and promoting people-to-people interactions between Canada and India. It also holds the potential for enhancing trade, business collaborations, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. (With inputs from PTI)