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 diplomatic row escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing.
“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 Indian advisory reads. “Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda. Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents.”
Indian nationals residing in Canada have also been advised to register with the Indian High Commission in Ottawa or Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites or the MADAD portal madad.gov.in, so that the Indian citizens can be connected promptly in the event of any emergency or untoward incident.
This comes after Canada, alleging potential links between the Indian government and the killing of the pro-Khalistan leader, expelled a top Indian diplomat. In a tit-for-tat move, India responded by ousting a senior Canadian diplomat in Delhi.
In a move escalating tensions between the two countries, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau had claimed that there was evidence to suggest India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. These claims were rejected as “absurd and motivated” by the Ministry of External Affairs, which released a statement saying, “We have seen and rejected the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister.”
Following Trudeau’s allegations, Canadian foreign minister had expelled a senior Indian diplomat from the country, which further compelled New Delhi to boot out a Canadian top official with a condition to leave India in five days.
The recent development raises question on the trade deal between two nations which has already been stalled for indefinite period over the issue pertaining to pro-Khalistan movement and Canada’s alleged involvement in India’s internal matters.
Canada’s allies and part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance US, UK, Australia and New Zealand have backed Trudeau’s charge and called the accusations ‘serious’.
However, Britain has clarified it will continue trade talks with India despite allegations from Ottawa that the Indian government was involved in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson said on Tuesday.
The spokesperson reiterated that Britain was in touch with Canada about the “serious allegations” but said it would not have a bearing on trade talks with India.
