'Don't travel to Canada; Indian students remain vigilant': MEA issues advisory as Nijjar row deepens

India has issued an advisory for Indian nationals and students residing in Canada as well as those contemplating traveling to the country, asking them “to exercise utmost caution”. The advisory by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, has been issued in view of growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence Canada. “Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda. India nationals are therefore, advised to avoid travelling to regions and protentional venues in Canada that have seen such incidents,” the advisory stated. Indian students in Canada asked to remain vigilant The MEA advisory further stated that given the “deteriorating security environment in Canada,” Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant. Register with High Commission of India Indian nationals and students from India in Canada have been asked to register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa of Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites, or the MADAD portal madad.gov.in.

Advisory for Indian Nationals and Indian Students in Canada:https://t.co/zboZDH83iw pic.twitter.com/7YjzKbZBIK

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 20, 2023

“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 incidents,” the advisory said. “Our High Commission/Consulates General will continue to be in contact with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well being of the Indians in Canada,” the India government said. The advisory for Indians in Canada and those planning to travel to the country have been issued after PM Justin Trudeau’s allegation of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar triggered a diplomatic row. Trudeau’s claim of a “potential link” between Indian government agents and the murder of Nijjar in June was dismissed by India as “absurd and motivated”.