Following recent diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, the Ministry of External Affairs in India has issued an advisory for Indian nationals residing in Canada and those planning to travel to the country. This move comes a day after Canada updated its travel advisory concerning India, escalating the ongoing dispute.
The advisory highlights concerns about the rise in anti-India activities and “politically-condoned hate crimes” in Canada. It urges Indian citizens in Canada to exercise extreme caution, emphasizing that threats have specifically targeted Indian diplomats and members of the Indian community who oppose anti-India agendas.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had stated in the Canadian parliament on Monday that his government had “credible allegations” linking Indian officials to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
However, the Indian government has strongly rejected these allegations as “absurd and motivated.”
The advisory further recommends Indian nationals in Canada to avoid traveling to regions and venues that have witnessed incidents of concern. It also assures that the Indian High Commission and consulates general in Canada will maintain contact with Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian community in the country.
The advisory particularly underscores the need for Indian students in Canada to remain vigilant given the deteriorating security environment. It advises Indian nationals and students from India to register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites or the MADAD portal, madad.gov.in. This registration would facilitate better communication in case of emergencies or untoward incidents.
As the diplomatic dispute between India and Canada continues, the issuance of advisories seeks to safeguard the interests and well-being of Indian nationals in Canada.
