Introduction
Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller has called India’s decision to resume certain visa services in Canada “a good sign” and said the suspension should never have happened. This move comes after months of tension between the two countries. In this article, we delve into the details of this development and its potential implications on the relationship between India and Canada.
Background
In September, tensions escalated between India and Canada following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations against Indian officials over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. As a result, India imposed a ban on visa services in Canada. The relationship between the two countries further deteriorated when India asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence, while Canada expelled a senior Indian diplomat.
Resumption of Visa Services
On Wednesday, October 26th, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa announced that it has decided to resume visa services for entry, business, medical, and conference visas. The decision came after a considered review of the security situation which took into account some recent Canadian measures.
Emergency services will continue to be handled by the Indian High Commission and the consulates in Toronto and Vancouver. This development has been lauded by Canadian officials and is seen as a step forward in easing tensions between the two countries.
Reactions From Canadian Officials
Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller hailed India’s move as a “good sign” and was quoted by CTV news as saying, “Our feeling is that a suspension should never have happened in the first place.” Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan also said the resumption of visa processing is good news but refrained from speculating on New Delhi’s message behind this action.
Furthermore, the Canada-India Business Council has expressed optimism about this turn of events, calling it “a promising development” for trade relations between both nations.
Conclusion
India’s decision to resume some visa services is not only seen as a positive sign for the future of India-Canada relations but also as a relief for many Canadians, including those with family ties, business connections, or who may require medical treatment in India. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this development affects the diplomatic discourse between the two countries. However, this move represents a much-needed step towards reconciliation and restoring goodwill among two vital international partners.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, exclusively written and published by IntraSource. The published information is sourced from various trusted platforms, such as news agencies and online media, mainly the Government of Canada and Canadian online media/websites, and should not be considered as legal or professional advice. IRCC’s requirements may change, so consult a lawyer/s and receive professional advice before making decisions or applications.
