“Diplomatic Standoff Intensifies: India and Canada Exchange Travel Advisories Amid Growing Tensions”
In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, India has issued a tit-for-tat travel advisory on September 20, 2023, citing concerns over “politically condoned violence” in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs has urged all Indian nationals in Canada to register with Indian missions amidst a growing rift between the two nations.
This development comes in response to Canada’s earlier travel advisory, which advised its citizens to exercise a “high degree of caution” when traveling to various regions in India.
The advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs states, “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. Our 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.”
Furthermore, the deteriorating bilateral relations between Canada and India have been exacerbated by the online activities of Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, who initiated a campaign titled “Indo Hindus Leave Canada.”
Though the advisory refrains from directly mentioning the campaign, it warns, “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 traveling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents.”
This diplomatic row began after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made unprecedented allegations against India in the House of Commons, blaming Indian agents for the June murder of pro-Khalistan ideologue Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. The situation escalated when Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced the expulsion of Pavan Kumar Rai, a diplomat in the High Commission of India in Ottawa, also revealing him as the head of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) of India.
In response, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat and demanded his departure within five days. Canada subsequently issued its travel advisory in light of these developments.
Prime Minister Trudeau, however, reiterated that he is not seeking to provoke India, stating, “The government of India needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are doing that.”
With the security environment in Canada appearing to deteriorate, Indian students, in particular, are urged to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant. Indian nationals and students in Canada are advised 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, according to the latest advisory from the Ministry of External Affairs.
