 |
| Radhika Sharma says clients at her travel agency are worried |
The
phone lines at a Vancouver-based tourism company have been relentlessly ringing
since India's surprising announcement of suspending visa services for Canadian
citizens. This abrupt decision has left those with travel plans to India in the
upcoming months deeply concerned about the implications. Radhika Sharma, an
employee at Explore India, an organization specializing in tours to India,
noted the anxiety among prospective travelers. She mentioned that individuals
who already possess a valid visa should be relatively unaffected, but the
uncertainty lies with those who have yet to apply for one.
This
visa suspension has triggered a cascade of issues, all stemming from India's
announcement, which cited safety concerns for its staff as the reason behind
the move. The situation escalated following Canadian Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau's public accusation that India might have had involvement in the murder
of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil. India vehemently denied these
allegations, labeling them as "absurd."
According
to tourism data, Canada is among the top five countries of origin for foreign visitors
to India, with over 80,000 Canadians having traveled there in 2021. While the
visa ban may not significantly disrupt the lives of Canada's 1.86 million
residents of Indian descent, it has raised questions about their future in the
country.
Citizens
with Indian citizenship, like Radhika Sharma, and Canadian citizens holding an
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card, which grants lifelong entry to India
for Indian nationals residing abroad, are not affected by the travel
restrictions. However, the underlying issue remains the incitement of violence
and the creation of an environment that disrupts the functioning of India's
high commission and consulates, as explained by Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson
for India's Ministry of External Affairs.
Radhika
Sharma, who is also a student in Canada, has been prompted to reconsider her
long-term plans due to the recent tensions between the two countries. She
expressed concern about the potential impact of the rift on her ability to stay
in Canada in the coming years. Moreover, she worries about whether these
tensions could hinder her from visiting her family in India or vice versa in
the future.
Canada
boasts a substantial Indo-Canadian population with deep-rooted ties to India.
It is a preferred destination for Indian students looking to study abroad, and
Indian residents rank at the top of the list of immigrants in Canada. Despite
the accusations and tensions, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hinted
that Canada was not planning to retaliate with a similar visa suspension,
emphasizing that he did not seek to provoke India further.
Nonetheless,
the strained relationship between the two countries does raise questions about
their future economic ties. Hemant Shah, an Indian-Canadian who has resided in
Canada for nearly half a century, voiced his concern about the potential impact
on trade and business relations. He pointed out that numerous Canadian
companies operate in India, and any disruptions could have severe consequences
for those involved.
Back
at Explore India, Radhika Sharma has been inundated with calls from Canadians
who already hold visas, inquiring about the safety of visiting India. She has
consistently reassured them that, despite political tensions, Indians are more
than ready to welcome tourists from Canada. She also expressed her sense of
security in Canada, even as India issued a travel advisory urging its nationals
to exercise "utmost caution" when visiting North America.
In
conclusion, despite the tensions and uncertainties caused by recent events,
individuals like Radhika Sharma and Hemant Shah emphasize the importance of
maintaining a harmonious relationship between India and Canada. Both countries
have attracted people seeking opportunities, career prospects, and a better
future, and preserving this harmony is essential for the well-being of all
involved.
0 Comments