New Delhi: The resumption of visa issuances for Canadian citizens by India is not expected to happen soon, according to statements made by India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma. He expressed that the current situation does not provide an ideal environment for conducting regular diplomatic and consular functions by Indian diplomats and officials.
High Commissioner acknowledged that if there is a noticeable improvement in the security situation for Indian diplomats and consular officials stationed in Canada, there might be some relaxation in the existing Indian visa regime for Canadian citizens. However, the persistent issue of pro-Khalistan elements targeting Indian diplomats and missions remains a significant concern. These elements have been involved in activities that pose security threats to Indian officials in Canada, although they constitute a relatively small portion of the population.
Pro-Khalistan groups have organized protests, including car rallies, outside Indian diplomatic facilities in Canada, with posters labeling Verma, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as ‘Enemies of Canada.’ The controversial group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has an agenda that includes plans for the so-called Khalistan Referendum in Surrey, scheduled for October 29. Verma indicated that Indian authorities continuously evaluate the security of Indian diplomats and consular officials in Canada and the security of diplomatic and consular premises.
Canada has responded by providing personal security details to diplomats and increasing security measures at missions. Nevertheless, according to Verma, these security provisions do not necessarily indicate an improved security environment but rather enable Indian officials to maintain limited physical movement.
The suspension of visa services for Canadians by India was initiated on September 21. This move came amid strained India-Canada relations after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned in the House of Commons that there were “credible allegations” of a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18.
In light of these security concerns and the ongoing tensions, the resumption of visa services for Canadian citizens remains uncertain, and both countries continue to grapple with the complexities of their diplomatic relationship.
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