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India resumed visa services in Canada on Thursday, October 26, 2023, a move seen as an attempt to ease tensions in a dispute over the killings of Sikh separatists. The decision comes after India suspended visa services in September, citing “security threats.”
The resumption of visa services applies to entry visas and business, medical, and conference visas. Tourist visas and e-visas are still suspended. “We are pleased to announce the resumption of visa services for Canadians,” said the Indian High Commission in Ottawa. “This decision was taken after carefully reviewing the security situation at our missions in Canada.”
Why the Visa Services were stopped?
The dispute between India and Canada began in September when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India was involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist who was shot dead in Canada. India denied the allegations, calling them “absurd.”
In response to Trudeau’s allegations, India suspended visa services for Canadians and asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in India. Canada refused to comply with India’s demand, and in early October, India expelled 41 Canadian diplomats.
The resumption of visa services is a pivotal move to address the long-standing tension between India and Canada over alleged support for Sikh separatist groups. The roots of this tension date back to the 1980s and early 1990s when several high-profile Sikh separatist leaders, such as Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, found sanctuary in Canada. Indian authorities have long accused Canada of turning a blind eye to the activities of these leaders and their supporters, who allegedly orchestrated violence and killings in India.
How the Move will benefit Bi-lateral ties?
The resumption of visa services signifies India’s willingness to de-escalate the dispute. However, whether the two countries have resolved their differences is still being determined.
In a statement, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa said that the decision to resume visa services was taken after a review of the security situation at its missions in Canada. The statement also said that India would “continue to evaluate the situation” and make further decisions as appropriate.
The Canadian government welcomed the resumption of visa services. In a statement, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said that the Move was “a positive step” and that Canada was “committed to working with India to strengthen our bilateral relationship.”
“We welcome the resumption of visa services by India,” said Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland. “This is a positive step forward, and we are committed to working with India to strengthen our bilateral relationship.”
Reactions & Expectations
Sikh community leaders in Canada welcomed the development, hoping it would pave the way for a more open and constructive dialogue on the sensitive issue of Sikh separatism. Balwinder Singh, a prominent Sikh leader in Canada, stated, “This is a positive step that recognizes the need for open dialogue and peaceful resolution. We hope this will lead to discussions that address the concerns of both nations and, ultimately, strengthen the ties between the Indian and Canadian Sikh communities.”
Analysts suggest that while this step is crucial, it is just the beginning of a long and complex process to ease tensions and find a lasting resolution to the Sikh separatist issue. Both governments must address extradition, border security, and intelligence sharing to resolve the matter thoroughly.
India’s resumption of visa services is a welcome step forward in the relationship between the two countries. It is unclear whether the two countries have resolved their differences over the killings of Sikh separatists. Still, the decision to resume visa services suggests that both sides are willing to de-escalate the dispute.
