In September of last year, India temporarily suspended visa services for Canadian citizens after Canada said there were “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh temple leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
Baki says many members of his community feel on edge because of the tense diplomatic relationship and its latest developments, and they hope to have clarity soon on whether it could impact securing and processing visas.
“They’re tense, they’re concerned, they’re frustrated with the lack of information and they’re looking for guidance,” he said.
Rama Singh, a retired McMaster University professor and co-chair of Hamilton’s annual Gandhi Peace Festival, has what’s known as an OCI card, which allows unlimited entry to India for its overseas citizens.
But the Ancaster-Ont. resident says he’s still worried about his upcoming travel to India, and others who plan to visit the country in the coming weeks as Diwali and wedding season approach.
“I’m concerned that I have bought tickets, and I would like to know soon which way things are moving,” he said.
This week’s expulsion of Indian diplomats from Canada comes after more than a year of rising tensions between the two countries, which came to a head after Nijjar’s murder in June 2023.
What followed were several months of strained diplomatic relations, including Canada postponing a trade mission to India and both countries expelling top diplomats.
But amid the growing tensions, Singh says it’s important to remember how Indians have contributed to Canada’s social fabric, and the relationships created in local communities.
“I think India and Canada’s relations are solid and long term, and will remain,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2024.
Rianna Lim, The Canadian Press
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