India Restores Electronic Visa Services For Canadians, Easing Diplomatic Tensions

India has reinstated electronic visa services for Canadian nationals, signalling a potential de-escalation of tensions between the two countries that arose following Canada’s allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of a Sikh separatist in Canada. The move comes two months after India introduced a visa ban on Canadian nationals amid the diplomatic spat.

The electronic visa services were restored on Wednesday, as confirmed by an Indian foreign ministry official who spoke anonymously. The decision to reinstate electronic visas could contribute to normalising relations between India and Canada, which witnessed mutual accusations and the expulsion of diplomats.

The diplomatic dispute unfolded when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in September, asserted “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia. The Canadian government accused India’s government and intelligence agency of being connected to Nijjar’s killing. Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh activist and plumber, was fatally shot by masked gunmen in June outside Vancouver.

India, in response, dismissed the allegations as “absurd” and reiterated its longstanding concerns about Sikh separatist groups in Canada. The strained relationship between the two nations, stemming from India’s accusations of Canada harbouring separatists and “terrorists,” has persisted over the years despite robust defence and trade ties.

Previously, the discord prompted Canada to recall 41 of its 62 diplomats from India, following New Delhi’s warning of stripping their diplomatic immunity, which Canadian officials viewed as a violation of the Geneva Convention. Last month, India partially eased the ban by resuming services for entry, business, medical, and conference visas for Canadian nationals.

The restoration of electronic visa services represents a significant step toward diplomatic normalisation, fostering cooperation between India and Canada while addressing the underlying issues that have strained their relations in recent months.

Kiki Garba

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