New Delhi resumes e-visa services for Canadian nationals after two-month halt

New Delhi on Wednesday (Nov 22) resumed e-visa services for Canadian nationals, as per Indian government sources.

The move comes after nearly a two-month pause, triggered by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s bombshell allegations against the Government of India (GOI) regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June on Canadian soil.

Trudeau alleged that “agents” of the GOI were involved in Nijjar’s murder, something India strongly denies.

This resulted in the downgrading of the diplomatic ties between the two countries. 

Both India and Canada also exchanged travel advisories. India advised its citizens in Canada, and those contemplating travelling, to exercise "utmost caution" in view of "politically-condoned" hate crimes.

Watch: Canada-China ties remain frosty, detention feud reopened

Despite several reminders, Ottawa has so far failed to produce any evidence establishing New Delhi’s role in the murder.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India's demand last week at an event in the United Kingdom, who has been pushing India to co-operate with Canada's inquiry, Mr Jaishankar said, "We are not ruling out an investigation... (but) if you (the Canadian government) have a reason to make such an allegation, please share the evidence with us. We will look at anything you have to offer."

Notably, India’s de-escalatory move amidst its tussle with Canada comes as PM Justin Trudeau is scheduled to join Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G20 Virtual Summit later in the day.

Also read: Canada’s Fiscal Update: Higher deficits, slower debt reduction, and housing boost

Late last month, the Indian embassy in Ottawa announced it was resuming processing business, medical and conference visas for Canadian nationals.