Travel agent reassures Canadians planning trips to India, despite political tensions

Travel agent Nazir Karnai says his phone has been ringing off the hook since Thursday morning, when India’s visa processing centre halted its operations in Canada.

He says his clients keep calling him with concerns about their travels plans, as political tensions between the two countries are now affecting the tourism industry.

On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Parliament there was reason to believe India may have been involved in the killing of Canadian Sikh Independence activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Since then, Karnai tells CityNews people have been raising concerns about whether it’s safe to travel to India and what the “on-the-ground” situation is like. But those fears are unfounded, Karnai says.

“The flights are operating as per scheduled, everything is as per normal, it’s just that two countries are not happy with each other at the moment,” he said.

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Karnai says he’s disappointed the tension between the two governments has trickled down to affect travelers.

For now, Karnai says it appears as if only BLS International’s visa application centre is closed, meaning travelers can still apply for a visa to India using e-Visa.

However, he says he’s uncertain whether e-Visa will also cease service in Canada soon. If it does, Karnai says that will be detrimental for his business and many of the travelers he’s working with.

Despite the visa blockage, Karnai says there’s absolutely nothing to worry about for Canadians in India or with plans to travel there.

“People are treating Canadians well. I know that because I’m from India, my family is there and I know that there will be no decrease in the hospitality,” he said.

“It’s just the governments who have started this fire. Otherwise, it’s a safe travel destination and it’s known for their hospitality.”

-With files from Liza Yuzda