Despite escalating diplomatic tensions, the number of Indian visitors to Canada has increased, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). From January to July 2024, Canada issued 365,750 visitor visas (V-1) to Indians, compared to 345,631 during the same period in 2023.

Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated following allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India’s potential involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canada-based Khalistan separatist. India has categorically rejected the claims, calling them “absurd” and “motivated”.

According to The Indian Express report, from September to December 2023, Canada granted 176,372 visitor visas to Indian nationals, a notable increase from the 133,505 issued during the same period in 2022. Notably, Canada Lifted COVID travel restrictions on October 1. 2022, which may have contributed to this increase.

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V-1 visas are specifically for tourists or those visiting family and friends, and the figures do not include visas for students, workers or diplomats.

Conversely, the number of study permits issued to Indian students has declined sharply. From January to August 2024, IRCC data indicates that 137,445 Indian students received a Canadian study permit, compared to 186,970 during the same period in 2023. In January 2024, Canada announced a cap of two years for international student applications, providing for a 35% reduction in the number of international student applications. study permits compared to 2023. However, this cap will not impact students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees or those with an existing study permit.

On October 14, tensions between India and Canada reached a new low. Last September, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made unproven claims that India was involved in the assassination of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

On Monday, Canada reiterated the allegations, saying Indian diplomats played a role in planning the assassination. India has strongly denied the accusations, calling them “absurd” and “ridiculous”, including without credible evidence and based on what appears to be speculation. In response, India recalled six diplomats, including the high commissioner, and expelled six Canadian diplomats. The strained relationship between the two democracies, both of which have strong people-to-people ties and much to gain from each other, appears to be caught up in a national political agenda in Canada.