Amid Diplomatic Row, India Set To Resume Select Visa Services In Canada

India will resume some visa services in Canada from Thursday, the country's High Commission in Ottawa said.

India will resume visa services for entry visa, business visa, medical visa, and conference visa, the High Commission stated.

After a considered review of the security situation that takes into account some recent Canadian measures in this regard, it has been decided to resume visa services for the four categories, according to a statement by the Indian High Commission.

"Emergency situations will continue to be addressed by the High Commission and the Consulates General as it is being done currently," the statement added.

The development comes days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday that India is looking at resuming visa services for Canadians "very soon" if it sees progress in the safety of its diplomats in Canada.

The ties between India and Canada nosedived after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged on September 18 that there was a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June.

New Delhi strongly trashed the charges. Days later, it announced temporarily suspending the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in India.

Last week, Canada pulled 41 diplomats from India, after New Delhi had conveyed its concerns over parity in diplomatic strength.

Ottawa also halted its visa and consular services in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru consulates.