Diplomatic dispute with Canada escalates; Indian nationals and students asked to exercise caution

NEW DELHI: Indian nationals, students in Canada and those planning on travelling to the country have been advised to exercise caution amid the recent strain in relations between the two countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised Indian nationals and Indian students in Canada to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen growing anti-India activities. Indian students in Canada have been particularly advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant.

Indian nationals and students in Canada must also 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. Registration would enable the High Commission and the Consulates General to better connect with Indian citizens in Canada in the event of any emergency or untoward incident, as per the MEA.

This comes amid growing tensions between India, and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday accused the Indian government of being behind the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Canadian government had issued a similar advisory to citizens living in India

Najjar, who was a designated terrorist in India, was gunned down outside a Gurdwara, in a parking area in Canada’s Surrey, British Columbia on June 18.

The MEA said 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.

Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda, as per the MEA release.