India Resumes e-visa Services to Canadian Nationals

On Wednesday, India made the decision to resume electronic visa (e-visa) services for Canadian nationals, marking a positive development in diplomatic relations. The interruption in visa services had initially occurred in September, when the Indian Mission in Canada, managed by BLS International Services Limited, announced the suspension, citing operational reasons.

BLS International, a globally recognized Indian outsourcing service provider for government and diplomatic missions, oversees various services, including visa, passport, consular, attestation, and citizen services. The suspension was communicated through an official notice on the BLS website, urging individuals to stay informed by regularly checking for updates.

However, a shift in this stance took place in October, as India opted to restart visa services for four specific categories in Canada. This decision followed a comprehensive review of the security situation, taking into consideration recent measures implemented by the Canadian authorities. The four categories include entry visas, business visas, medical visas, and conference visas, with the resumption taking effect from October 26.

Canada responded positively to India decision, viewing it as a "good sign" and expressing that the initial suspension of visa services should not have occurred in the first place, as reported by Canada-based CTV News.

The diplomatic tensions leading to the suspension of visa services in September stemmed from a standoff between India and Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had, during a parliamentary debate, accused "agents of the Indian government" of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.

India vehemently rejected these allegations, deeming them "absurd and motivated." In response to Canada decision, India took diplomatic measures, including the expulsion of a Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat response.

This recent development in resuming visa services indicates a positive shift in diplomatic relations between India and Canada, signifying a willingness to overcome past disagreements and move towards cooperation.