The Indian government on Wednesday issued an advisory for Indian nationals and students in Canada, urging them to “exercise utmost caution” in view of “growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and violence in Canada”.
The advisory comes a day after the Canadian government issued a similar advisory for its citizens living in India in view of the ongoing standoff between the two nations over the alleged killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The controversy stems from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing.
Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share the advisory.
“In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution,” the advisory read.
The advisory claimed Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda in Canada are likely to receive threats amid the ongoing controversy. “Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents,” it said.
Through the advisory, the government reassured that the High Commission/Consulates General will continue to be in contact with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well being of the Indian community in Canada.
Citing the “deteriorating security environment in Canada”, it suggested Indian students in Canada “exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant”.
“Indian nationals and students from India in Canada must also register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites, or the MADAD portal madad.gov.in,” the advisory read, noting that registration would enable authorities to provide help in event of any emergency or untoward incident.
India had earlier kicked out a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official over the case, adding tension to the ties between the two nations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the new Parliament building amid the row and briefed him about the situation.