India Urges Caution for Indian Nationals in Canada Amid Rising Tensions
The government of India has issued a cautionary advisory to Indian nationals residing in or planning to visit the North American nation.
In response to mounting anti-India activities and a surge in politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, the government of India has issued a cautionary advisory to Indian nationals residing in or planning to visit the North American nation. The advisory follows a series of threats targeting Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda.
The government’s advisory strongly encourages Indian nationals to exercise utmost caution when considering travel to certain regions and venues in Canada that have witnessed incidents of violence and hostility towards those with ties to India. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens amidst the deteriorating security environment.
Furthermore, Indian students in Canada have been singled out for special attention, with the government advising them to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution. Indian students, as well as other Indian nationals, have been urged 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). Registration will facilitate better communication and support from the High Commission and Consulates General in the event of emergencies or untoward incidents.
The timing of this advisory is crucial, given the escalating tensions between India and Canada regarding Khalistan extremism. In a retaliatory move, India recently expelled a senior Canadian diplomat following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims of “foreign powers” involvement in the assassination of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force terrorist group. The Indian government took swift action in response, signaling its growing concern over the alleged interference of Canadian diplomats in Indian internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities.
High Commissioner to India Cameron MacKay was summoned by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) headquarters in New Delhi and informed about the expulsion of the senior Canadian diplomat. The diplomat has been given a deadline to leave India within the next five days, according to official sources.
The MEA stated that this decision reflects the Government of India’s increasing apprehension about Canadian diplomats’ interference in internal affairs and their engagement in activities perceived as detrimental to India’s interests. The grounds for this expulsion had been under consideration for some time, according to MEA sources.
In the midst of these diplomatic maneuvers and rising tensions, the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in Canada remain paramount for the Indian government, as it closely monitors the evolving situation and continues to engage with Canadian authorities to safeguard its citizens abroad.
