Ottawa has updated its travel advice for Canadians travelling to India after the recent diplomatic fallout between the two countries over an alleged foreign hand in a Khalistani leader’s death in Surrey.
“In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media,” the Global Affairs travel advisory said. “Please remain vigilant and exercise caution.”
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada were fractured after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being behind Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s shooting death.
Both sides have expelled diplomats since the allegations were made and India shutdown visa services “until further notice” citing safety and security concerns. New Delhi immediately updated its travel advisory to Canada in the light of the “anti-India” sentiment in the country.
“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 Ministry of External Affairs said.
The Canadian High Commission meanwhile called on the Indian government to protect its diplomats and staff who received similar death threats while rejecting New Delhi’s safety concerns for Indians in Canada.
As Trudeau reiterated his allegations which India calls ‘absurd’, the two sides have grown further apart causing worry for Canadians who travel to India to visit family.
