India Canada Tension: India softens on Canada, resumes visa service

India announced the resumption of Keja services in some categories in Canada, which had been closed for more than a month. Services will start in entry visa, medical visa, conference visa and business visa categories. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa said in a statement that the decision to restore four categories of visa services has been taken in view of the assessment of the security situation and recent steps taken by Canada in this regard. Emergency cases will be handled by the High Commission and Consulates General. In view of the security of Indian diplomats, India had imposed a temporary ban on the services on September 21.

Foreign Minister Jaishankar had said that if there is progress in security, then services will be started. The decision comes a month after New Delhi suspended services for Canadian citizens in Canada and around the world. Last month, tensions between the two countries had increased after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of possible involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar on June 18. India had declared Nijjar a terrorist in 2020. India rejected Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd” and “motivated”.

New Delhi has resumed services like entry visa, business visa, medical visa and conference visa. India resumed visa services after Canadian authorities showed “more responsiveness” to New Delhi’s concerns over the security of its diplomatic premises and personnel, an official said. This came after discussions at several levels that lasted for 10 days.