THE High Commission of India in Canada announced on Wednesday that “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” with effect from October 26 for Entry Visa, Business Visa, Medical Visa, and Conference Visa.

The statement said that the High Commission in Ottawa and the Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver were constrained to suspend visa services temporarily because of safety and security considerations.

It said that “emergency situations will continue to be addressed by the High Commission and the Consulates General as it is being done currently.”

“Further decisions, as appropriate, would be intimidated based on continuing evaluation of the situation,” it added.

MEANWHILE, the Canada-India Business Council said in a statement that “the resumption of business visa services by the Government of India is a promising development for business leaders in the bi-national economic corridor.”

It added: “Although much work remains to mend the Canada-India government-to-government relationship, the Council is encouraged by the Government of India’s decision to reinstate the processing of business visas.”

Victor Thomas, President and CEO of the Canada-India Business Council, said, “This is a vital step in ensuring business leaders can both maintain current relationships and facilitate future growth. It is also a positive sign that both governments have expressed their support for bi-lateral business and investments amidst these unusual times.”

The Council noted: “Over 600 Canadian companies are actively present in the Indian economy. Canada’s foreign direct investment reached $3.6 billion in 2022, with the total investment now surpassing $70 billion. Canadian businesses must work to maintain connection to the world’s fastest-growing large economy; the economic relationship between our two countries has the potential to be strong and robust.”