India Resumes E-Visa Services for Canadians Ahead of G20 Virtual Meet

India has resumed the e-visa services for Canadian nationals, sources said on Wednesday ahead of Justin Trudeau’s participation in the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit. This renewed service includes the issuance of entry visas, business visas, medical visas, and conference visas.

This development comes as Trudeau is set to take part in the India-hosted meet which was confirmed through the public schedule of the Canadian Prime Minister. His virtual presence at the G20 meeting and the resumption of e-visa services for Canadians could mean that the two countries are heading for détente.

Wednesday’s summit will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who announced it during the closing session of the New Delhi G20 Summit on September 10. Leaders of all G20 Members including the Chair of the African Union, as well as nine Guest countries, and Heads of 11 International Organizations, have been invited. The participation of world leaders, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been confirmed.

India-Canada spat

Trudeau’s attendance at the virtual summit is notable as the India-Canada has deteriorated in September when the Canadian PM alleged the involvement of a “foreign agent” in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India strongly denied the allegations and asked Canada to furnish proof. New Delhi has also asked Ottawa to curb Khalistani elements in the country and ensure security for the Indian diplomatic missions.

In September, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the temporary suspension of visas to Canadian citizens in view of “security threats” faced by its high commission and consulates in Canada. Earlier this month, New Delhi had eased some of the visa curbs on Canadians.