Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ India has decided to resume several types of visa services from its High Commission in Ottawa and other consulates in Canada starting from October 26. This decision comes in response to mounting demands to facilitate travel from Canada. The Indian government has underscored that the resumption of visa services is contingent upon assurances of safety and security measures for Indian diplomats in Canada. This emphasis reflects the importance placed on the well-being and security of diplomatic personnel as a crucial factor in the decision-making process concerning the restoration of various services between the two nations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has hinted at the potential resumption of visa services in Canada “very, very soon,” as mentioned during a seminar on Sunday. The anticipated resumption encompasses various types of visa services, such as entry visas, business visas, medical visas, conference visas, and those related to emergency situations. This signals a positive development in diplomatic engagements, fostering easier travel and facilitating necessary visa processes between the two nations.
Despite the positive development, there remains discord between India and Canada. Jaishankar alleged that 41 diplomats posted in India were expelled due to interference in India’s affairs, which was expected to impact the normalization of visa issuance by both countries for some time. Some of the issues involve Canadian diplomats issuing travel documents to certain elements in India. The resumption of visa services by India is a positive development that may act as a catalyst for Canada to reconsider the suspension of in-person services at its consulates in India. Improved diplomatic relations and a cooperative approach in facilitating visa processes could contribute to the normalization of consular services between the two countries, benefiting individuals seeking visas for various purposes, including travel, work, or study.
