[ad_1]
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had announced temporarily suspending the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens in view of “security threats” faced by its high commission and consulates in Canada.
New Delhi: India resumed e-visa services for Canadian national on Wednesday. India had suspended the visa services for Canadian nationals amid soaring tensions with Ottawa in September following allegations by PM Justin Trudeau linking the name of Indian agents with the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June this year.
This comes ahead of Justin Trudeau’s participation in the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit today. The summit will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who announced it during the closing session of the New Delhi G20 Summit on September 10. This would be the first time Trudeau and Modi will meet physically after ties between the two country took a nosedive following the former’s allegations against New Delhi.
Earlier in September, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had announced temporarily suspending the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens in view of “security threats” faced by its high commission and consulates in Canada.
However, in October, India decided to resume visa services in Canada for four categories after a considered review of the security situation, which “takes into account some recent Canadian measures in this regard”. Entry visa, business visa, medical visa and conference visa were four categories in which India decided to resume visa services in Canada with effect from October 26.
Following the development, Canada welcomed India’s decision to partially resume visa services calling it a “good sign” and stating that the suspension should “never have happened in the first place”, Canada-based CTV News reported.
The Indian government has repeatedly and firmly denied “absurd” and “motivated” allegations that it was involved in the death of Nijjar, and has demanded Ottawa share evidence to back its claims.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India’s demand last week; at an event in the United Kingdom, which has been pushing India to co-operate with Canada’s inquiry, Mr Jaishankar said, “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.”
[ad_2]