Amid Nijjar's Killing, Canada revises travel advisory for India, urging increased vigilance
Toronto, September 26: Canada has revised its travel advisory for its citizens in India, urging them to "remain vigilant and exercise caution" in light of the ongoing diplomatic dispute surrounding the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The Canadian government stated in its update, "In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada. Please remain vigilant and exercise caution."
Last week, India issued a similar advisory for Indian nationals and students residing in Canada. India also announced the suspension of all categories of visas, including e-visas, for Canadian nationals.
The Indian advisory was strongly-worded, cautioning against "growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada." It urged all Indian nationals in Canada and those planning to travel there to exercise extreme caution and avoid areas and venues that have witnessed such incidents.
Canada had previously rejected the Indian travel advisory, asserting that it is one of the safest countries globally.
Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar recently urged India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, to establish a helpline for Indian students and NRIs in Canada due to the escalating diplomatic tension between the two nations. Media reports suggest that India is considering canceling the registration of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders involved in pro-Khalistan and anti-India activities.
Tensions between India and Canada escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India was involved in the killing of Nijjar, who is a designated terrorist in India. India categorically rejected these allegations, deeming them "absurd and motivated."
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- With inputs from agencies
