Easing Diplomatic Tensions? India Resumes E-Visa Services For Canadian Nationals After Two Months

After a nearly two months pause, India has reinstated electronic visa services for citizens of Canada, NDTV reported citing sources.

The suspension of visa services, which began on 21 September, was due to an ongoing diplomatic row over Canada's allegations that "agents of the Indian government" were involved in the June assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian national, on Canadian soil.

The government of India has consistently and vehemently refuted the "absurd" and "biased" accusations of its involvement in Nijjar's death, insisting that Ottawa provide evidence to substantiate its allegations.

Further, India has also raised concerns about security of its diplomats in Canada.

On 16 November, India urged Canada to ensure a suitable environment in accordance with the terms of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations to enable its officials to carry out their duties without any obstruction or security issues.

India's appeal to Ottawa came just days after an incident where some pro-Khalistani protesterstried to disrupt a camp set up by the Indian consulate in Vancouver.

"Our High Commission and consulates in Canada regularly organise consular camps. One such camp was organized near Vancouver on November 12 to provide life certificates to pensioners," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during his weekly media briefing.

"The event was held successfully despite attempts by a few radical elements to cause trouble. Our Consul General was not present at that camp," he said.

"We reiterate the need for nations to respect the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations so that our diplomats can discharge their diplomatic obligations," he added.