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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent remarks suggesting possible Indian government involvement in the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leader of the Khalistan Tiger Force, have sparked tensions between India and Canada. Both countries have expelled diplomats, and India closed its Visa Processing Center in Canada. Efforts are underway internationally to mediate between the two nations.
The visa suspension created challenges for Canadians, expatriate Indians, and businessmen who needed to visit India for urgent matters. Responding to numerous complaints, the Union Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission in Canada announced the resumption of all visa services from October 26. Subsequently, on November 22, the central government fully restored these visa services.
In a significant move, the Indian government has established three new visa service centers in Canada. BLS International Services, responsible for outsourcing visa services to the Indian government, now operates 12 centers in Canada, up from the previous nine. These new centers, operational since January 1, are located in Regina (capital of Saskatchewan province), Halifax (capital of Nova Scotia), and Mississauga (within the Greater Toronto Area).
These centers facilitate applications for passports, visas, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards, and certifications through both appointments and walk-ins. Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma mentioned that due to the growing demand for outsourcing contract visas and consular services, they are considering establishing additional centers in other Canadian cities. The demand has surged in tandem with the Indo-Canadian population, rising from 1.8 million five years ago to approximately 2.4 million. The increased immigration to Canada has led to a higher demand for consular services from India.
The diplomatic tensions and subsequent visa suspension underscore the delicate nature of international relations and the impact on citizens requiring essential travel services. The swift resolution and expansion of visa services demonstrate the diplomatic efforts to address challenges and provide accessible services for the affected communities.
The move to increase visa service centers aligns with the broader goal of catering to the needs of the growing Indo-Canadian population and fostering smoother consular processes. As the diplomatic discourse continues, the focus remains on maintaining amicable relations and addressing the evolving demands of the people involved.
This development reflects the dynamic nature of diplomatic engagements, emphasizing adaptability and responsiveness to ensure the well-being and convenience of citizens on both sides of the diplomatic divide.
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