'Politically-Condoned Hate Crimes, Exercise Utmost Caution': India Issues Advisory For Students, Other Nationals In Canada

Amid rising tensions between India and Canada over killing of Khalistan Tiger Force Chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday (20 September) issued an advisory to all Indian citizens and students in Canada to “exercise utmost caution”.

“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 MEA 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," it added.

Earlier on Tuesday (19 September), the Canadian government had updated its travel advisory asking its citizens to avoid all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir “due to the unpredictable security situation”.

The Canadian government's decision to update the advisory came after Trudeau alleged potential links between the Indian government and the killing of the pro-Khalistan leader, and expelled a top Indian diplomat.

In a tit-for-tat move, India responded by ousting a senior Canadian diplomat in Delhi.