TBM Staff - Mumbai With Canada having upped the level of security for Indian diplomats, the government took a step towards normalising visa services by resuming work for entry, business, medical and conference visas. The development followed external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s statement on that India could resume visa services very, very soon.
However, tourist and e-visas for Canadian nationals will remain suspended for now. India had halted all visa services, including in third countries, for Canadian nationals on September 21, saying Canada had failed to fulfil its obligations under the Vienna Convention by not ensuring the safety and security of Indian diplomats. This followed the controversy over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation that India had a role in the killing of Khalistan leader and Canadian national Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India had said hours after Jaishankar’s remark, that it was reviewing the security situation. The high commission in Ottawa in a statement said, “Further decisions, as appropriate, would be intimated based on continuing evaluation of the situation.’’ Entry visas, which have been resumed, are granted to people of Indian origin and to those who are dependent family members of employment visa holders. (Source TOI)
