India has resumed electronic visa services for Canadians after a nearly two-month suspension over 'operational reasons' amid diplomatic tussle between the two G20 countries, said reports, citing sources.
The development comes as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to attend the virtual G20 summit hosted by India on Wednesday.
Diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Ottawa hit a low after Trudeau said in September that there are "credible allegations of a potential link" of Indian government and the Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death. Following this, Ottawa expelled the head of Indian intelligence in Canada.
In a reciprocal move, New Delhi dismissed a senior Canadian diplomat, strongly rejecting Trudeau's claims as “absurd and motivated”. India also asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country following which Ottawa recalled dozens of its envoys.
On October 26, India resumed visa services for select categories, including entry, business, medical and conference visas in Canada. However, student, employment, tourist, journalist, film and missionary visas were still under suspension.
This came after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said New Delhi will resume visa services for Canadians if it sees progress in the safety of its diplomats in Canada.
