India has issued a advisory to its citizens residing in or planning to travel to Canada, urging them to exercise “utmost caution” due to increasing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released the statement following a diplomatic dispute between India and Canada over the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
The ministry highlighted the threats targeting Indian diplomats and those from the Indian community who oppose the “anti-India agenda.” It advised Indian nationals to avoid traveling to regions and venues in Canada where such incidents have occurred. The statement also assured that the High Commission and Consulate General will maintain contact with Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian community.
Considering the deteriorating security situation in Canada, the government specifically advised Indian students to exercise extreme caution and stay vigilant. In addition, Indian nationals and students were urged to register with the High Commission of India or Consulates General of India in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver through the MADAD portal (madad.gov.in). This registration would help the respective Indian diplomatic missions connect with citizens in case of emergencies.
The rising tension between India and Canada has led to high-level meetings within the Indian government. Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while National Security Advisor Ajit Doval reportedly had a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The advisory comes as tensions escalate between the two countries over Khalistan extremism. In response to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claim that “foreign powers” were involved in Nijjar’s killing, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat. High Commissioner to India Cameron MacKay was summoned by the MEA headquarters and informed about the diplomat’s expulsion. The Canadian diplomat has been given five days to leave India.
The MEA stated that the expulsion decision reflects the Indian government’s concern about Canadian diplomats interfering in internal matters and engaging in anti-India activities.
MEA sources revealed that the grounds for the diplomat’s expulsion had been under consideration for a while, indicating that the decision was not made hastily.
The News18 report was contributed to by PTI.
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