India satisfied after Canada expresses regret over visa issue

India today treated the visa row with Canada as a "closed chapter" after the latter expressed regrets over the foul language used by some of its officials against Indian security and intelligence institutions.

"We have received a copy of the statement made by Jason Kenny, Canadian minister for citizenship. He has expressed high regards for India. They have deeply regretted the recent letter drafted by low level officials on routine visa applications casting aspersions on security forces," external affairs minister SM Krishna told reporters here.

"They told us that this language no way reflects the policy or perceptions of Canada about India. I think they have realised their mistakes. We should consider the chapter closed," Krishna said.
   
The Canadian high commission, over the last few years, has denied visas to a number of senior serving and retired officials of the armed forces and intelligence establishment, claiming that their organisations or they themselves have served in sensitive areas like Jammu and Kashmir and engaged in violence and human rights violations.

These adverse comments had triggered an outrage here, with the home ministry threatening retaliation.