High Commission of India in Ottawa

Embassy of India in Ottawa, Canada

Overview

The High Commission of India in Ottawa serves as India's principal diplomatic mission in Canada, located on Springfield Road in Ottawa, Canada's capital city. The High Commission provides consular services to Indian nationals throughout Canada (in coordination with Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver), processes visa applications for Canadian residents traveling to India, and facilitates bilateral relations between India and Canada in areas including trade, energy cooperation, education, scientific research, technology collaboration, cultural exchange, and diaspora engagement. India and Canada share a multifaceted relationship based on shared Commonwealth membership, democratic values, pluralism, rule of law, economic complementarity, people-to-people ties through the large Indian diaspora, and cooperation in multilateral forums. The relationship covers political dialogue, trade and investment, energy cooperation (particularly nuclear energy, uranium supply, and renewable energy), education (Canada is popular destination for Indian students), research collaboration, defense and security dialogue, counterterrorism, consular cooperation, and cultural exchange. Canada is home to approximately 1.8 million people of Indian origin (Indo-Canadians), making the Indian diaspora one of the largest and most influential communities in Canada, contributing significantly to Canadian society, economy, politics, business, healthcare, technology, academia, and culture. The Indian community in Canada includes well-established multi-generational families, recent immigrants under Canada's skilled migration programs, students (India is largest source of international students for Canada), temporary workers, and refugees. Major concentrations exist in the Greater Toronto Area (Brampton, Mississauga, Markham, Scarborough), Vancouver and Surrey in British Columbia, Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta, and other major Canadian cities.
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Visa Services

Canadian citizens require a visa to enter India for all purposes including tourism, business, medical treatment, conferences, and family visits. India offers several visa categories through its e-Visa system (electronic visa) and traditional visa application process. The e-Visa is available for Canadian citizens for tourism, business, medical treatment, medical attendant, and conference purposes, allowing travelers to apply online without visiting the High Commission or consulates. E-Visas are processed electronically and typically approved within 2-4 business days for most applicants. Traditional visa applications for longer stays, work, study, research, journalism, employment, or other special purposes require submission through the High Commission or Consulates General. Canadian travelers should visit the High Commission website (hciottawa.gov.in), Consulate General websites (Toronto: cgitronto.gov.in, Vancouver: cgvancouver.gov.in), or official Indian visa application portals for current requirements, fees, application procedures, and appointment booking. Required documentation typically includes passport with minimum 6 months validity, ICAO compliant photographs, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, and purpose-specific documents. Processing times vary by visa category: e-Visas typically within 2-4 days, regular tourist/business visas within one week, and employment/long-stay visas may require several weeks. Emergency visa processing may be available in genuine emergency situations. Canadian travelers should apply well in advance of planned travel. The High Commission cannot provide status updates on e-Visa applications as these are processed centrally in India. For visa inquiries, contact cons.ottawa@mea.gov.in.
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Consular Services

The consular section provides comprehensive services for Indian nationals in Canada, coordinating with Consulates General in Toronto (serving Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic provinces) and Vancouver (serving British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut) to deliver consular services across Canada. Services include passport issuance and renewal, emergency passports and travel documents for lost/stolen documents, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card applications and services (popular among Canadian citizens of Indian origin for visa-free India travel and long-term stay rights), visa services for family members, birth registration for children born in Canada to Indian parents, death registration, Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), certificate of surrender (for persons who acquired foreign nationality), attestation and legalization of documents for use in India, life certificates for pension beneficiaries living in Canada, and emergency consular assistance. From September 2025, only ICAO compliant photographs are accepted for passport applications - non-compliant photos will be rejected. Consular services require appointments following procedures posted on the High Commission website. The High Commission occasionally holds open house sessions for specific consular issues (advance notification required). For passport and visa matters, contact cons.ottawa@mea.gov.in or call 613-755-2072 during consular hours (Monday-Friday 09:30-12:30). For OCI inquiries, contact oci.ottawa@mea.gov.in. The Indian diaspora in Canada is diverse and dynamic, including highly skilled professionals (IT, engineering, healthcare, finance), business owners and entrepreneurs, students (over 300,000 Indian students in Canadian universities and colleges, largest international student group), temporary foreign workers, and multi-generational Canadian families of Indian heritage. Indo-Canadians are prominent in politics (cabinet ministers, members of Parliament, provincial legislators), business (CEOs of major companies), healthcare (significant proportion of Canadian doctors and nurses), technology, academia, and arts. Emergency consular assistance for Indian nationals in Canada is available at 613-899-4622 (for deaths and genuine emergencies only) or through the High Commission and consulates general during office hours.
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Trade & Export Support

India and Canada maintain significant and growing trade relations with bilateral merchandise trade exceeding CAD 13 billion annually and substantial trade in services. The economic relationship has potential for significant expansion. Canadian exports to India include pulses and lentils (Canada is the largest supplier of pulses to India, essential for Indian cuisine), canola oil and vegetable oils, fertilizers (particularly potash), wood pulp and wood products, aircraft and aviation equipment, machinery and mechanical equipment, precious stones and metals, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, oil seeds, and educational services (Indian students in Canadian institutions), while India exports to Canada include pharmaceuticals and generic medicines, precious stones and jewelry (particularly diamonds), vehicles and automotive components (Indian automotive companies have Canadian operations), textiles and garments, machinery and mechanical equipment, organic chemicals, IT services and software, iron and steel products, rice and basmati rice, tea and spices, and seafood. Indian companies have investments in Canada including in IT services (TCS, Infosys, Wipro have Canadian operations), pharmaceuticals (Dr. Reddy's, Sun Pharma), steel (ArcelorMittal, though global operations), and other sectors. Canadian companies have presence in India across sectors including natural resources, power and infrastructure, financial services, agriculture, education, and technology. The High Commission's commercial section (com.ottawa@mea.gov.in) supports trade promotion, business facilitation, and commercial engagement. Canada's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations with India aim to significantly enhance bilateral trade and investment through reduced tariffs and improved market access.
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Investment Opportunities

The High Commission provides information on investment opportunities in India for Canadian companies and investors. India offers opportunities in sectors including information technology and software development, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology (India's generic medicines sector and growing biotech industry), renewable energy (solar, wind, hydroelectric, green hydrogen), natural resources and mining technology, infrastructure development (urban infrastructure, transportation, smart cities), financial services and insurance, education and skill development (Canadian education expertise valued in India), agriculture and agribusiness (agri-tech, food processing, cold chain), clean technology and environmental services, automotive and electric vehicles, aerospace and defense, healthcare and medical devices, and digital services. Canadian expertise in natural resources, clean energy, infrastructure, education, agriculture, financial services, and innovation aligns with India's development priorities. Canadian pension funds and institutional investors have shown interest in Indian infrastructure and growth sectors. The High Commission facilitates connections between Canadian and Indian business entities and provides guidance on India's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policies, investment procedures, regulatory environment, and business operating conditions. India's large domestic market, growing economy, expanding middle class, skilled workforce, competitive costs, improving ease of doing business, and government initiatives including 'Make in India' and sector-specific Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes create investment opportunities for Canadian businesses. Similarly, Indian companies invest in Canada, particularly in IT services, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors.
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Business Support

The High Commission actively facilitates Canada-India business relations through its commercial and economic section. Canadian companies exploring Indian markets can contact the commercial section (com.ottawa@mea.gov.in) for market intelligence, regulatory guidance, business contacts, sector-specific information, and facilitation support. The High Commission coordinates with Canadian government agencies (Global Affairs Canada, Trade Commissioner Service), Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada-India Business Council, provincial trade agencies, and Canadian business associations to support bilateral commercial opportunities. Services include business matchmaking, market entry guidance, facilitation of trade missions and business delegations, support for participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, commercial information, and networking events. The High Commission also supports Indian businesses seeking Canadian partnerships, technology, investment opportunities, or market access. Key sectors of bilateral business cooperation include natural resources and mining (Canada's expertise in sustainable mining), energy including nuclear energy (Canada supplies uranium to India), renewable energy and clean technology, pulses and agriculture (Canada major supplier of pulses to India), education and skill development (Indian students in Canadian institutions, Canadian education providers in India), information technology and digital services, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, infrastructure development, financial services, aerospace and aviation, and innovation and research collaboration. Both countries collaborate on innovation, research commercialization, clean technology development, and climate solutions. Regular bilateral commercial dialogues, business summits, and CEO forums drive economic engagement.
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Cultural & Educational Programs

India and Canada maintain vibrant and multifaceted cultural and educational ties reflecting the large Indo-Canadian diaspora and strong people-to-people connections. Cultural cooperation is extensive with Indian festivals widely celebrated across Canada including Diwali (officially recognized and celebrated in Parliament Hill, provincial legislatures, and municipalities), Vaisakhi (major celebration particularly in Brampton and Surrey), Holi, Navratri, and regional festivals. Canadian multiculturalism embraces Indian cultural diversity. Indian classical and contemporary music, dance (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Bhangra), cinema (Bollywood extremely popular), yoga (widespread across Canada), and cuisine (Indian restaurants ubiquitous in Canadian cities) are integral to Canadian cultural landscape. Educational cooperation is particularly robust with over 300,000 Indian students in Canadian universities, colleges, and schools (India is the largest source of international students for Canada, contributing approximately CAD 18 billion annually to Canadian economy). Canadian education is highly valued in India for quality, affordability compared to other English-speaking countries, post-study work opportunities, and pathway to permanent residence. Indian students are prominent in engineering, computer science, business administration, health sciences, and other fields. Academic collaboration includes numerous university partnerships, joint research programs, student and faculty exchanges, and research cooperation. Canadian universities actively recruit Indian students and many have established partnerships with Indian institutions. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute facilitates academic and cultural exchange. Research collaboration spans diverse fields including clean energy, climate science, agriculture, health research, artificial intelligence, space technology, water management, and social sciences. Both countries collaborate on skill development, vocational training, and educational technology. Indo-Canadian artists, writers, musicians, and cultural practitioners contribute significantly to Canadian arts and culture. The National Film Board of Canada and Indian filmmakers have collaborated on documentaries and films exploring Indo-Canadian experiences.
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Service Area

The High Commission of India in Ottawa has overall diplomatic oversight for Canada. For consular services, Canadian residents should contact the appropriate mission based on their province of residence: High Commission in Ottawa (serving Ottawa region), Consulate General of India in Toronto (serving Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, website: cgitronto.gov.in), and Consulate General of India in Vancouver (serving British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut, website: cgvancouver.gov.in). For general High Commission inquiries, contact 613-744-3751, 613-744-3752, or 613-744-3753. For consular services inquiries, contact 613-755-2072 or email cons.ottawa@mea.gov.in. For OCI matters, email oci.ottawa@mea.gov.in. For commercial and trade inquiries, email com.ottawa@mea.gov.in. Emergency assistance for Indian nationals: 613-899-4622 (deaths and genuine emergencies only). India also operates a multilingual tourist helpline: 1-800-111-363 (short code: 1363).
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Appointment Information

All consular services require advance appointments following procedures posted on the High Commission website (hciottawa.gov.in). Consular service hours are Monday through Friday 09:30-12:30. General office hours are 09:00-17:30. For passport applications, visa services, OCI applications, police clearance certificates, attestation services, and other consular matters, follow the appointment booking guidelines on the website. Only ICAO compliant photographs will be accepted for passport applications from September 2025 - non-compliant photographs will result in application rejection. The High Commission periodically holds open house sessions for specific consular issues - advance notification is required and dates are posted on the website. For appointment-related queries, contact cons.ottawa@mea.gov.in or call 613-755-2072 during consular hours. For OCI-specific queries, contact oci.ottawa@mea.gov.in. For emergency consular assistance affecting Indian nationals in Canada (arrest, serious medical situations, death, natural disasters, or other urgent situations), contact the emergency helpline 613-899-4622 (for deaths and genuine emergencies only) or call the High Commission during office hours at 613-744-3751/3752/3753. Residents of provinces served by Consulates General in Toronto or Vancouver should contact those missions for consular appointments and services.
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Special Notes

The High Commission of India is located at 10 Springfield Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1M 1C9. The location is accessible by OC Transpo (Ottawa's public transit system) buses and by car. Visitor parking information can be obtained from the High Commission. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification (passport or Canadian driver's license) and pass security screening to enter the High Commission premises. Only persons with confirmed appointments or official business will be admitted. The High Commission observes both Indian and Canadian public holidays. Major Indian national celebrations including Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) feature flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and receptions attended by the Indo-Canadian community, Canadian government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and friends of India. These celebrations showcase India's democracy, cultural diversity, and the strong India-Canada relationship. Diwali and Vaisakhi celebrations across Canada, often with participation of Canadian political leaders, reflect the significance and integration of the Indo-Canadian community. For Canadian travelers to India, comprehensive travel information is available on the High Commission website including visa requirements, health recommendations (travelers should consult Government of Canada travel advice for India and consider vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis recommended by health authorities for certain Indian regions), safety advice, and cultural information. For Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Indian origin, OCI status offers significant benefits including visa-free entry to India, permission for long-term stay, parity with non-resident Indians in economic and educational matters (excluding political rights and agricultural land ownership in some areas). OCI eligibility criteria, application procedures, required documentation, fees, and benefits are detailed on the High Commission website and through the OCI email oci.ottawa@mea.gov.in. India's diverse attractions including historical monuments, spiritual centers, Himalayan regions, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, cultural festivals, yoga and wellness retreats, and cuisine attract Canadian travelers. Business travelers visit India's technology hubs, manufacturing centers, and growing markets. The High Commission can provide guidance on travel to India, business opportunities, and cultural programs.
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