The Centre on Friday acknowledged that Canada has delayed processing visa applications of some retired Government of India officials, including former Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officers who had previously served in Canada, and said the matter has been taken up with Ottawa.Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha by Trinamool Congress MP Mala Roy, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said the Government was aware of “specific instances” involving delays in visa processing.”Government is aware of specific instances of delays in the processing of visa applications by the Government of Canada, including those of retired Government of India officials and retired officials of the Ministry of External Affairs who had previously served in Canada,” the Minister said in a written reply.He added that “India and Canada remain engaged on this matter,” indicating that the issue has been raised through diplomatic channels.The MP had sought to know whether the Government was aware that Canada had been holding back visa applications of retired Indian government employees, particularly former MEA officials who had served in Canada, whether a list of such cases had been prepared and taken up with the Canadian government, and whether New Delhi was considering reciprocal measures in response.While confirming that the issue had been taken up with Canada, the Government did not disclose the number of affected officials or indicate whether any reciprocal action was under consideration.The development comes as India and Canada continue efforts to stabilise bilateral ties after a prolonged period of diplomatic strain that had impacted visa services and official engagements between the two countries.