After a two-month hiatus, India has resumed electronic visa services for Canadian nationals, including business, conference, and medical visas. This decision comes in the wake of a suspension earlier, linked to Canada’s alleged support for Khalistani terrorists. In September, India urged Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence, responding to PM Justin Trudeau’s claims of a potential link between Indian agents and the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Canada subsequently withdrew 41 diplomats, escalating tensions between the nations. Despite India’s recent visa policy shift, experts suggest it doesn’t signal a breakthrough in relations. The deep crisis, marked by mutual recriminations and strained ties, persists, with little incentive on either side to hasten normalization. The relationship’s current state is described as the “worst ever” by Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center.
While Ajay Bisaria, India’s former ambassador to Canada, mentions a “de-escalation phase” through quiet diplomacy, the visa restrictions will likely impede the movement of Indians and people of Indian origin in Canada. This development follows a series of events impacting the relationship, delaying discussions on a free-trade deal and jeopardizing Canada’s Indo-Pacific plans.
Canada, with the largest Sikh population outside Punjab, faces challenges in maintaining ties critical for checking an assertive China. India, a vital source of foreign students for Canada, contributes significantly to its international education business, annually adding over C$20 billion ($15 billion) to the economy. The ongoing acrimony threatens these ties, indicating a complex and uncertain road ahead.
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