The Government of Canada recently announced a 10-year multiple entry visa that will now be available for Indian citizens.

After an initial visa screening, applicants can get a visa that allows them to visit Canada often – as long as their passports are valid – for up to 10 years,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ed Fast, announced at a preliminary session of the fifth Parvasi Bharatiya Divas last week.

“This is great news for Indian business people travelling to Canada,” the minister said. “It will no doubt lead to more partnerships that will benefit both of our countries.”

At meetings Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for External Affairs with the Government of India, stated that Indian citizens living abroad play an important role for India’s prosperity “by sending remittances back home, making investments, transferring technical knowhow, and projecting India’s soft power by popularizing its culture, films and dance.”

She also commented on the growing relationship between Canada and India, “We have already signed the historic civil nuclear agreement. In the near future, India and Canada will sign the social security agreement, conclude a bilateral investment protection agreement and complete an ambitious comprehensive economic partnership agreement. India-Canada ties are developing at a time of enormous opportunities in India. We need $1 trillion in the infrastructure sector over the next decade and foreign investment (and trade) will continue to be an integral part of our growth.” ‘

According to David Johnston, Canada’s Governor General, by 2017 Indian immigrants will be one of the strongest groups in Canada and play an important role in Canada’s success. Indo-Canadians are flourishing: they have been Federal Cabinet Ministers, Provincial Premiers, and anchors of Canada’s principal national television newscast.