India-Canada Tensions: India has reinstated electronic visa services (e-visa services for Canadian nationals) after a pause of about two months. India has resumed e-visa services for Canadian citizens, sources said on Wednesday, ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ‘s participation in the virtual G-20 Leaders Summit. This includes issuance of entry visa, business visa, medical visa and conference visa.
In September, relations between India and Canada were strained when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the possible involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia. India had declared Nijjar a terrorist in 2020.
India had rejected Trudeau’s allegations as absurd. A few days later, India announced that it was temporarily suspending the process of issuing visas to Canadian citizens. It had also asked Canada to reduce the number of its diplomats in India.
India had also asked Canada to take strict action against terrorists and anti-India elements operating from its soil. India has resumed e-Visa service for Canadian citizens, sources told PTI.
Justin Trudeau’s statement
Justin Trudeau recently said that India is an exceptionally important economy in the world. Canada is an important partner of India in many areas, including combating climate change and economic development. He made this comment in a media briefing immediately after talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G-20 summit.
Asked about India’s concerns over the growing activities of Khalistani elements in Canada, Trudeau said his country will always protect the freedom of peaceful protest but will also prevent violence and always strive to push back hatred.
He said the actions of a few people do not represent the entire community or Canada. He said India is an exceptionally important economy in the world and an important partner of Canada in everything from tackling climate change to driving growth and prosperity for its citizens. The Canadian Prime Minister said both sides will continue to consider expanding existing cooperation.
