Kolkata Airport makes history by welcoming first Giant Airbus Beluga XL
Canada on Thursday welcomed New Delhi's decision to resume some visa-related services saying the move was a “good sign after an anxious time” for Canadians. Immigration minister Marc Miller, while welcoming the decision, said the suspension of visa services "should never have happened".
India had suspended visa services days after Canada accused the country's officials of conspiring to murder Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India's high commission in Canada announced on Wednesday that some types of visa applications for Canadians would be processed by the Indian officials. New Delhi has resumed services like entry visas, business visas, medical visas and conference visas.
This move came after Canadian authorities showed “greater responsiveness” to New Delhi’s concerns over the safety and security of its diplomatic premises and personnel. The decision came after India and Canada engaged in discussions for over 10 days following heightened tensions triggered by accusations of Indian officials' involvement in an alleged assassination Khalistani Terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Taking a strong posture against Trudeau's allegations, India had accused Canadian diplomats of interference in its internal matters and had demanded the withdrawal of 41 Canadian diplomats to restore parity in diplomatic numbers. Last week, Canada pulled out 41 of its diplomats in India.