Exercise utmost caution: India warns its citizens in Canada
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New Delhi: In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, the central government on Wednesday issued an advisory for the Indian nationals and students residing in Canada, urging those contemplating travel “to exercise utmost caution”.
The advisory from the Indian government came a day after Canada on Tuesday issued a travel advisory to its citizens.
It urged its citizens to exercise a "high degree of caution" while travelling to India citing terrorism threat.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, said, “Advisory for Indian Nationals and Indian Students in Canada.”
In the advisory, 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.”
Also Read:US says 'deeply concerned' over Canada's allegations on Nijjar's killing
It said that “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 said.
It further said that the High Commission or 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.
“Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant,” it said.
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,” it added.
Also Read:What do the latest diplomatic challenges with Canada mean for India?
On Tuesday, diplomatic relations between India and Canada nosedived over the killing of a Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi on Tuesday expelled a senior Canadian diplomat based here in a tit-for-tat move giving a similar reply to Canada.
The High Commissioner of Canada to India (Cameron Mackay) received a summons on Tuesday during which the Government of India conveyed its decision to expel a senior Canadian diplomat currently stationed in the country.
The concerned diplomat has been officially instructed to depart from India within the next five days, a statement issued by the MEA said.
"The decision reflects the Government of India’s growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities," the statement said.
The decision came after Canada had earlier expelled a high-ranking Indian diplomat.
These developments occurred after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday in an emergency statement in Parliament accused the Government of India of involvement in the fatal shooting of Nijjar.
India has rejected claims by the Canadian government calling it "absurd and motivated".
