Diplomatic Dispute Between India and Canada Intensifies: Caution Advised to Indian Nationals and Students
As tensions escalate in the ongoing diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, Indian nationals, students in Canada, and prospective travelers to the country are being urged to take precautions.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has recommended that Indian nationals and Indian students currently in Canada exercise caution, particularly in areas and venues where anti-India activities have been on the rise. Indian students have received special advice to be extremely vigilant.
Additionally, Indian citizens and students in Canada are advised to register with either the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver, using their respective websites or the MADAD portal at madad.gov.in. This registration process will facilitate better communication between the High Commission, Consulates General, and Indian citizens in Canada in the event of an emergency or unforeseen incidents.
These precautions come in light of recent strained relations between India and Canada, sparked by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusation that the Indian government was involved in the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, previously designated as a terrorist in India, was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on June 18.
The MEA underscores the importance of these precautions due to the increased instances of anti-India activities, politically sanctioned hate crimes, and criminal violence in Canada. Notably, threats have been directed towards Indian diplomats and segments of the Indian community opposing the anti-India agenda.
